While it has taken a long time, I am no longer ashamed of who I am; I carry scars, face fears, and stumble often along my journey called life. One thing I have realized is that courage and thriving are deeply connected to our humanity. They require us to acknowledge our imperfections, not as weaknesses but as sources of strength and wisdom.
For many veterans and first responders, this realization can be profound. Service often demands a relentless focus on external challenges such as saving others, protecting communities, and enduring physical and emotional trials, while thriving requires an inward shift. Thriving requires a willingness to explore the parts of us that have been set aside or hidden in the name of duty. It also asks us to confront pain, grief, and even shame and see these experiences not as barriers but as stepping stones toward something more significant.
The courage to thrive is about taking small, intentional steps. It might mean asking for help when you’re used to being the one who helps others. It might mean opening up about the mental and emotional weight you carry or setting boundaries to protect your well-being. It could mean redefining success, not by societal standards, but by your own. These acts of courage may seem quiet compared to the louder, more visible acts of bravery that others might associate with courage, but they are no less powerful.
Thriving also means reconnecting with purpose. Your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing. It can be found in the small joys of everyday life: spending time with loved ones, pursuing a new interest, or simply allowing yourself to rest. Finding purpose in stillness or simplicity might feel unfamiliar for those who have spent years in high-stakes environments, but we often see the most profound healing and strength in these moments.
Ultimately, the journey to thrive is not linear, and it’s not easy. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and times when it feels easier to retreat into old patterns. But every step forward, no matter how small, is an act of courage. This mindset is where the power of “one more” comes into action. Ed Mylett, in his book entitled, “The Power of One More,” shares with us that “one more” moment, whether it’s taking another step, asking for help, or facing a difficult conversation, builds over time. His powerful message resonates with the idea that thriving is about persistence, not perfection. Mylett says, “Success is found in doing the thing you don’t feel like doing, just one more time.” Through this declaration, you are not defined by the challenges you’ve faced and will face but by the growth and strength you’ve cultivated because of them.
I’m on that journey myself, and it’s one of the most difficult paths I’ve ever walked. Recently, I’ve been confronting my challenges with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through my exploration of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). It’s not something I’ve ever been comfortable talking about, perhaps because I’ve spent so much of my life being someone others rely on. But seeking help has required a level of courage I never expected. It’s not the kind of courage that gets recognized with medals or applause. It’s quiet, raw, and deeply personal.
I’ve long tried to bury facing emotions, which has been overwhelming at times. It’s not easy to admit that I need help, especially when I’ve always prided myself on my ability to handle anything life throws my way. But I’ve learned that this kind of courage, the courage to be vulnerable, is just as vital as the courage I’ve shown in moments of danger or crisis. It’s the courage to prioritize my well-being and acknowledge that healing is not a solo journey.
What this journey has taught me, more than anything, is that thriving is about more than survival. Survival is the instinct that keeps us alive in the moment. Thriving, on the other hand, is about finding meaning and fulfillment beyond those moments. It’s about growth, healing, and discovering the strength that exists in every type of courage we possess.
For many people, courage is often thought of as action: running toward danger, protecting others, and making sacrifices. Thriving asks us to broaden that definition by challenging us to see courage in a new light and recognize the quieter forms of bravery that carry us through life’s most challenging transitions.
I want to take a moment and share the six types of courage that have guided me and can help guide all of you as well, no matter where we are in life:
Physical Courage: More Than Braving Danger
Physical courage is the willingness to endure danger, hardship, or pain for the sake of others. For veterans and first responders, it often defines the core of your service. But physical courage also plays a role in recovery, whether it’s healing from injuries, maintaining your health, or pursuing fitness goals after setbacks. To thrive, we must take proactive steps to care for our bodies. Embrace activities that challenge you while honoring your limits, like running, hiking, or rebuilding strength through physical therapy. Physical health is the foundation for overall well-being.
Emotional Courage: The Strength to Feel
Emotional courage is the willingness to confront and process our feelings, no matter how uncomfortable or painful they might be. It’s about acknowledging grief, fear, or vulnerability instead of pushing it aside. Veterans and first responders often suppress these feelings to stay focused on the mission but thriving requires confronting them head-on. Allow yourself to feel, process, and heal. Seek support through therapy, journaling, or connecting with trusted peers. Emotional courage helps you release burdens and rediscover joy.
Moral Courage: Standing Firm in Your Values
Moral courage is about doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. It’s the foundation of your service, driving you to protect others and uphold justice. But moral courage doesn’t stop when your service ends; it continues in everyday decisions and actions. To thrive, use your voice to advocate for what matters to you. Stand up for others, challenge injustices, or mentor younger generations. Living with integrity gives your life a more profound meaning.
Social Courage: Building Connection
Asking for help, sharing our struggles, or opening ourselves to others requires social courage. It’s the bravery to be authentic and honest about who we are and what we’re going through. Social courage can feel foreign or risky for many veterans and first responders, but it’s essential to building trust and connection. Thriving here requires us to rebuild our support network by joining groups, reaching out to old friends, or volunteering in our communities. Social courage transforms loneliness into belonging and helps you feel rooted in a shared purpose.
Intellectual Courage: Embracing Growth
Intellectual courage involves questioning old beliefs, learning new ways of thinking, and being open to change. It’s about embracing growth and realizing it’s okay to outgrow ideas or habits that no longer serve us. It’s about embracing change as an opportunity for growth. To thrive, pursue education, training, or a new career path. Intellectual courage helps you discover new passions and redefine your purpose beyond service.
Spiritual Courage: Staying True to Your Core
For some, spiritual courage means leaning into faith or belief systems that provide strength and guidance. For others, it’s about finding purpose and meaning amid uncertainty. It’s the courage to trust in something bigger than us, whatever that might look like. In the end, spiritual courage connects you to your values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. To thrive, reflect on what gives your life meaning. Whether it’s faith, family, or a personal mission, staying true to your values provides clarity and strength.
The six types of courage listed are not separate; they often overlap and strengthen one another. As we continue this journey, you will see that courage isn’t just about what we do for others. It’s also about what we do for ourselves, how we nurture our healing, and how we find the strength to keep moving forward. Thriving, in the end, is not about perfection or having all the answers. It’s about progress. It’s about finding strength in every act of courage, no matter how small, and allowing it to guide us toward a life of growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
Reflecting on my current journey with PTSD, through PTG, has taught me that thriving is absolutely not about survival. It’s about growth, healing, and finding strength in every type of courage I possess. I am no longer ashamed that I am healing. Healing is not a sign of weakness—it’s a testament to courage. It’s the quiet, ongoing work of rebuilding, redefining, and reclaiming. And through this process, I am learning to thrive, not despite my struggles but because of them.
Remember, thriving doesn’t mean avoiding struggles; it means facing them with an open heart and a determined spirit. Lean on your courage to find purpose, connection, and strength. You’ve already proven your ability to protect others; now it’s time to thrive for yourself.
Until next time, struggle well my friends!
~Grim
What are your throughts?