Bravery is such a beautiful concept. It’s not something we see a lot in the States. Partly because we have become so distracted to find easier ways that are unseen acts of bravery. And also because we have put bravery too high on the totem pole so it’s always out of our reach. We see bravery in Superman and the Justice League. We see it in Tom Hanks and the fictional world of Hollywood. We used to see it in our dad’s before we put the pressure of a perfect father on him.

I once thought I was as brave as them.

I used to get picked in grade school and middle school. The battleground of the cool vs. the uncool got out of control so I decided to become the dictator; the unseen enemy that forces both sides to back down. I was tired of watching people be treated unfairly on both sides when others didn’t act a certain way. My personality switched from being the small kid who gave in to the “brave” young man who bullied the bullies. I thought I was getting what I wanted.

Then I realized that I was ensnaring others with the fear that I used to receive.

Bravery isn’t about getting what you want. True bravery comes from the humbleness to do selfless acts for the general population at the expense of you and your resources. Superman realized that the Earth needed help battling the dictators. Tom Hanks and countless other actors depicted a variety of films in this battle. And our fathers constantly throw themselves and resources at us in the hope to create the best future for us.

Humbleness, selflessness and sacrifice is true bravery.