03/31/2026
Recently, I found myself in a conversation about bravery—what it really means, and what it actually looks like.
Not the polished, after-the-fact version. But the kind that feels messy. Irrational. Emotional. The kind that doesn’t make sense—even to you—while you’re in it.
And I was reminded of a story I wrote a year and a half ago.
At the time, it wasn’t meant to be shared. It was something I documented for myself—part of processing, part of healing, part of trying to understand why something so small could have such a hold on me.
In that conversation, I realized this story isn’t just about overcoming something physical.
It’s about what was underneath.
The fear that had taken root.
The part of me that felt invaded… and stayed there.
And what it took to finally face it.
Because on the other side of that moment wasn’t just relief.
It was freedom.
It was strength.
It was the realization that I can… and I have… overcome.
* Sorry for the swears ;) (SNAKES people!)
https://www.viveunlimited.com/i-held-a-snake/