I don’t remember exactly when I saw the movie “Angus” for the first time, but I remember being struck by words uttered by George C. Scott, playing the role of Ivan Bethune, the title character’s grandfather about being brave and braveness. Angus is a teenager who doesn’t fit and is ridiculed for his size, his family’s poverty and oddity, and his intellect. And with those words, Grandpa Bethune lays out his belief that it is those people who continue to struggle and fight back, knowing that they might be defeated, knowing they might be hurt – those are the people who are actually brave.
It’s an interesting thought – a superhero like Superman, who fights against evil villains, isn’t brave? But the more you think about it, the more sense it makes. If you have nothing to fear because you can’t be hurt, what are you sacrificing when you fight back? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “brave” as having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. If you can’t be hurt, you’re not in danger, If you’re not in danger, what is there to fear? If you’re the Man of Steel, what is difficult about feats of strength?
Being brave is about acknowledging that you might lose, that you might be hurt – whether emotionally or physically, and that you might struggle. Being brave is about taking a risk. If nothing is at risk, you can’t be brave in doing something.
When we are struggling, we may wish to be more like those who don’t seem to struggle, the ones who have it easy. And while it’s an understandable thought to have, it doesn’t help the reality of our current situation and it doesn’t give us enough credit to then take on the situation. If you are someone – like countless others – who admires those that are brave and wish to be brave like them, it’s important to realize that being brave is about dealing with difficult situations.
Superman isn’t brave – but you can be. Whether you are dealing with self-doubt, trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress, it is possible to be brave and to reach out for support. Whether you reach out to friends or family, or to a mental health professional, asking for help can be a brave step to take.
If you are looking to connect with a licensed therapist, take that first step and reach out to Horizon Psychological Services. Be your own hero.
