This series is dedicated to Nicole Trick-Steinbach, who has dedicated herself to living her brave as well as helping others to live theirs. It's an honor to watch her impact on the world.

What is your word? Or even words? Do you have words that you have chosen to guide you? Do you have a word or words that you aim to celebrate or dedicate yourself or your business to? If you are wondering what the heck I'm talking about, there are many reasons to choose a word, phrase, or mantra.

Perhaps you are working toward a personal change and choose a word to remind you of your goal throughout the year. Perhaps you are working on a career change, wanting to be a better parent, better spouse, or improve a skill. A word can help keep you focused, inspired, excited, and remind you why you are doing the work. One of my favorite examples is a friend who chooses a word for each letter of her name every year. She sets her focus on those five inspiring words to embody and guide her. How fun is that? Finally, if you are a coach, entrepreneur, business owner, artist, etc defining your word can help you focus on what makes your heart sing and help you define your niche and vision for your business. Whatever your purpose, your word can be a very powerful thing.

A few years ago, when I was younger and more naive, my best friend shared her word with me. "Brave," she said happily and excitedly. "Oh, interesting," I said more than a little lost in my own thoughts. It wasn't a word I ever used or associated with anything short of running into a blazing building to save 100 puppies. Or Peewee Herman saving all the pets in the pet store (ew, snakes). And then, "Ya, that's not my word," came out of my mouth. We most often learn what not to say while saying it to those we love the most. What I should have said was, "Awesome, tell me more!" Whatever I said, she did tell me more and I've been learning what Brave means to her, to me and to others ever since.

For some being Brave can be making a healthy choice, like not working through lunch or dedicating weekends to your family. Brave can be standing up to the big issues as well as standing up to the every day issues. Brave can be living the life you wish with no apologies and staying true to your heart. The list is endless. To learn more about Brave, head on over to Nicole's podcast (https://tricksteinbach.com) and give her a follow on instagram (@nicoletricksteinbach).

This series was created as I started to learn what Brave was. Inspired by Nicole's brave, and growing to include my Brave and your Brave. You may recognize Brave #1 as a piece that I've shared before or printed on my favorite poncho that I love to wear. It feels good to wrap myself in some Brave and head out the door, or to snuggle into my favorite chair for some self-care.

Brave has been many thing for me. Feeling things I didn't want to feel. Facing cancer and my long list of medical issues. Routinely trying things before I'm ready. Prioritizing myself when I needed to, while fearing I'd be letting others down. Being truthful and vulnerable. Pushing back on my anxiety whenever I can. Even creating my art.

What is your brave?