Nine years ago, I shared this video, ‘Brave’ by Sara Bareilles, because the words meant a lot to me. I also like the somewhat amusing performance that goes with the lyrics. Now, I find myself experiencing those same feelings. I have expressed these feelings in my recent poems.
I think this song might appeal to any of my readers who could be experiencing similar feelings, either now or in their past. If you can take the time to listen to it and really listen to the words (lyrics below), it will give you an understanding of how difficult it is to be brave and to write your heart out in your work and show your vulnerability, pain and courage. This is what I do. This is the only way I know how to be, how to express myself in my writing and work in my present counselling, which I wrote about in my last post, Dissociative Healing. I hope you enjoy this song – It means a lot to me.
Brave – Sara Bareilles
You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love
Or you can start speaking up
Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do
When they settle ‘neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave
Everybody’s been there, everybody’s been stared down
By the enemy
Fallen for the fear and done some disappearing
Bow down to the mighty
But don’t run, stop holding your tongue
Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
Innocence, your history of silence
Won’t do you any good
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
See you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
Thank you for reading, listening and for your interest – Much love – Ellie x 💖
Essentially Ellie 
Thanks for making me cry this morning. I needed that. Now to show how big my brave is…
I’m sorry if this song and the lyrics upset you, nwaami, although you said you needed it. Sometimes it’s so tough to express our deepest feelings. Often music reaches the heart of us in a way that, perhaps, words alone don’t. I wish you so well in your journey to being brave. Take care of yourself x 🌷
Can’t believe this song is 9 year old
And can’t believe you are blogging from so long.
You are amazing.
A beautiful and uplifting share Ellie.
I wish the very best for you.
Yes, we sometimes get a low
But we always have to bounce back to another high.
Keep shining my amazing friend.
Yes, this song came out all those years ago, and I have been blogging for a long time, although I did take three years out at one point; then decided to come back again. I totally agree with you – when we hit a low, there is only one way we can go, and that is up again. I hope to keep climbing in that direction. Thanks so much, Devang. Your comments are always very much appreciated. Take care of yourself. Ellie 🌞.
WOW!!
Astonishing
Please keep shining and never stop.
Good days ahead.
Oh my friend.
That is lovely.
And you are strong!
Aww, thanks, my friend. That’s lovely of you to say. Now, I just have to believe that myself. I’m getting there slowly, but it’ll probably not be overnight. I’m willing to work at it, though.
I’m just in the middle of emailing you, so will chat more soon. Xxx 💜🌹💙
Oh yeah, I’ve known and liked that song for years, but of course I had no idea what it was about. I love the lyrics and the video. I just sat down at my desk and that song has given me an optimistic punch for the beginning of the day.
I’m so glad you liked the song, Jeff, and even more glad to know that it’s started your day off optimistically. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the music and reading the lyrics. They mean a lot to me, and I know you will understand why.
Waaaww that song is 9 years old! Reading the lyrics again, I am feeling connected too to this song. Lets be brave and get the world back in hand!! I know it won’t be overnight but each step at a time!!
Thank you for being kind enough to listen to this song. I couldn’t believe how long ago it was popular, either. I’m glad you could feel a connection and that are spurred on to be brave, too. Slowly does it. Thanks again 🌞.
I was introduced to Sara Barellis several years ago by a girlfriend at the time. This song was one of her very favorites. Though we’ve gone are separate ways it brings back so many memories. …Cailín
Thanks for your comment, Cailin. I think this is definitely my favourite track from Sara Bareilles, too. It’s sad that you’ve parted from your friend now, but then, as they say, when one door closes, another door opens. There are always new opportunities waiting up ahead of us, even if we don’t know it yet. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’ve found myself singing it all day long today. It’s firmly entrenched in my brain! Take good care of you. Ellie xx 🌺🌞🌷
I spent sometime this morning reflecting as I watched the river flow by. This song played softly in my head as I thought about the past. It was all just a reminder that life is uncertain, but always goes on. Maybe there will be another time for me. …Cailín
I also meant to say, thank you for always reading my posts, Cailín, and for being kind enough to leave me a few words, too. It means a lot to me. I just have to ask you – is the photo of the white cat in your avatar (profile) image, your cat, and if so, what’s his/her name? He or she looks gorgeous. I hope it’s yours. My cat, Peanut, who I think you’ve read about in my blog, is great company for me. She wakes me every morning at 6 am, too. I don’t mind; it gives me more time in the day to write and read other writers’ blogs. I know you’re not ready to share a blog yet, but I wondered if you were still writing for yourself? If and when you do decide to have your own blog, I will be one of the first people to follow you. I’m sure you write beautifully. X 🌼
I always look forward to your posts, Ellie. Each one is so well written and gives me something to contemplate as I start my day. I’m so pleased you asked about my avatar! Yes, that is my cat Snezhana(snowflake). She is a white cat with blue eyes. We share a very special relationship. I do write every day. I started journaling years ago and have filled more than a few volumes. It’s always been a comfort to put my thoughts on paper. As always. …Cailín
Snowflake is adorable. She sounds like a beautiful cat and it’s unusual for cats to have blue eyes. They are wonderful company, I agree. I’m so glad you’re still writing regularly – that’s a great achievement. Writing is very cathartic – I find the same, although I haven’t kept a journal for ages (and really should as it’s good writing practice). Love to you, Cailín xx 💖
Thank you for your time and interest, Ellie! It’s always a joy to write you! With all my best. …Cailín
I love the lyrics, Thankyou for including them in written form. I will listen to the song on my morning walk. Beautiful Ellie
Thank you so much, Kale. The song means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy it while on your morning walk. X
no one wants to be uncomfortable.
Brave. Hi, Ellie.
I’d never seen that video before. What an upbeat song with fantastic fearless characters dancing in public places.
💃🏼 😂 💪🏼 Great dancers.
Such a lovely share. And the words, deep.
I believe that we bloggers are already brave: putting our thoughts in words out for the whole world to see. I know I’m going through my bravest moments here.
And dealing with the back end of the website is not easy. Takes fearlessness to try to fix things. Sure it takes time (for watching tutorials and such) and lots of devotion/dedication… and frustration that’s part of the package.
What you see here is what MY brave looks like. But i don’t bear it all; for that I have my newsletter. It’s more intimate. You might say I do “brave” slant. Maybe. But I need to feel close to do more.
With my small newsletter audience I feel close.
Your post. Words. Lyrics and video are fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Keep being you. Your brave is really brave.
Here’s a hug for you my friend. And remember that it’s ok for string people to cry. Do, if you need to. You’ve been so strong for much too long. Bless you, my sweet. Lovely post. 👏
Thank you for taking time out of your day to listen to my ‘Brave’ video, Selma. Although it came out years ago, it remains my favourite song because of its deep meaning to me. It gives me strength and courage to be brave. And yes, I believe it does take a lot of courage (which I don’t always have) to face my demons and write my true heart out in public on this blogging platform. However, I know I am among friends here, and I value each and every one, you included, naturally. Crying, I rarely do – it seems to be stuck inside so deeply that I find it difficult to let go of my emotions. I guess, in a way, my crying comes out in words here, which I find just, if not more, as cathartic.
I do read your newsletters and enjoy every word of them. You sometimes include links and encouragement to reply, but there seems to be no way of doing this (apart from the link at the very top). Although you say at the bottom of the page, here is my mailing address, there is no actual address shown or link to take me there. So, I apologise if you thought I was ignoring you; I really wasn’t. I love that your newsletters are more personal – it makes me feel closer to you than I already do.
Thank you, too, for the warm hug. That means the world to me. I am sending you a loving hug, too. Ellie xxx 🦢🌷💜
I have always loved this Sara Bareilles song! It too is one of my favorites. Music has always been a type of therapy and inspiration for me in this splendid yet sometimes daunting life. It’s one of my “drugs of choice” for coping with life’s non-stop curve-balls, fast-balls, and hit-batter balls! HAH! If you don’t mind my double-sports metaphor Ellie. 😉 (cricket or American baseball)
Thank you so much for following my blog. I’m currently unable to write/blog as much as I did thru 2011 — 2017 and now 2021 to present. I am a full-time Caregiver for my Mom who has Stage 6 Dementia. This monopolizes most all of my free-time and social life, to understate it really. 😄
I will continue to peruse your blog and see what trouble I can find or get into. (maniacal laugh)
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to come over to see my blog, Professor (or do you mind if I call you Dwain as I read this was your name in one of your posts?). It’s much appreciated. Firstly, I’m so sorry your Mom has dementia. It must be so hard for you to see her deteriorate like this, and you must need lots of patience, love and dedication to care for your Mom as you do. I can understand perfectly how much time this must take up.
Try not to worry about not writing as often as you did. Those people who are interested will be there for you when the time is right for you to write more often. I find music therapeutic, although, personally, it’s writing that really helps me. Art is out of the question as I was told I was hopeless at it when I was at school many years ago, and now that label has well and truly stuck. I prefer the written word as I find this helps me to deal with life’s curve balls (in your words).
Thank you for continuing to take a further look at my blog. I hope you won’t find it too dark. I’ve had a tough time lately. That said, I had a lovely day yesterday, celebrating my birthday (tomorrow) with my family; this is not something that often happens. I hadn’t seen some of them for over two years. If I can, I will try and write about my day sometime this week. I intended to write it today, but life has a habit of running away with you when you least expect it. Take good care of yourself … Ellie 🦢
Pffffttt! “Dark” is where I often go with little reservation Ellie. I’m quite familiar with it and those who are (temporarily?) there, by choice or by circumstances. Along the lines of the Yin/Yang concept, or Dualities in existence, MUCH… so much can be learned from and in both environs.
I’ve spent so much time in both worlds that I now USE both of them to my own benefit and for others—to share what I’ve experienced (if they want to listen/read, etc.)—if need be. The important lesson, while in both worlds, is to respect them and their functions, their systems, but NOT be afraid of them either. Grin and smile at them, even laugh at them when necessary, then learn from them; gain as much wisdom from both worlds. I guarantee, you will be a stronger, wiser, and more importantly empathetic, compassionate human than before! Promise! Then consequently YOU become a beacon of strength to help others! 😊 And THAT is what is meant by…
“A life well lived.” ❤️ 😉
Oh! Happy happy birthday too!!! Make it grand and
Grrrrrr, I loathe HTML-coding. It’s so dayum tedious! 😠
Forgot the closed-blockquote greater sign > at the end of my lyrical quote. Ugh, happy fingers on the keyboard. 🙄
Oh yeah, one other item!
Dwain is just find. In fact, I prefer everyone by first name anyway—more endearing and personal that social norms and etiquette sometimes allow. 😉 👍🏻
There is so much here that I want to reply to, Dwain. I am looking forward to doing so, but right now, I have to go to bed as I have another hectic day tomorrow (and Sunday). Thank you for your birthday wishes for tomorrow. You are very kind. I wish I had time to reply further tonight, but alas, time has run away with me. By Sunday evening, things will be quieter. I’m rarely as busy as I am at the moment. In fact, I can’t remember when I had so many days together where I didn’t have, at least, time to write. Nevertheless, I will have a lovely birthday tomorrow with my best friend – we’re going out for lunch. It’ll be wonderful to spend my birthday with her when so often, in the past, I’ve spent birthdays alone. This year will be different. I’m very much looking forward to it. As soon as I have some free time again, I will reread your comments and reply to them properly. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend and I’ll catch with you again very soon … Ellie 🦢🎈🕊
Do what you must Ellie, please. Everyone’s “timing” and schedules doesn’t always matchup in the best ways… so no worries. 🙂 Please don’t feel burdened to heep much on my comments. Besides, our time-difference is indeed significant, so again don’t put any unnecessary pressure on yourself on my account Madame. ❤️ 🙂
Hi Dwain. Here we are, three days after your kind comments to me, and I still haven’t caught up! I’m never usually as busy as I have been over the last week or so. It’s been manic! Birthdays are mostly a really quiet affair with me, so this one has been exceptional (and very nice, too). I hope you will forgive me if I cannot reply to each comment you kindly left me other than to say they are much appreciated, and I value your views and opinions. I’m playing catch-up with all my readers and blogging buddies today, so I am trying to read other people’s posts before I write my own. I was going to write about my family birthday on Thursday, but it seems quite a while ago now. I love that quote from Moulin Rouge, too.
Going back to your second comment to me on this post, I’m glad you’re not ‘afraid’ of the ‘dark’ (so to speak). I may be in a dark place sometimes, but I don’t want to stay there any longer than is strictly necessary. Emotions are funny things, though, and are not always easy to control. I’m interested in what you said about Yin/Yang and want to do some more reading on this. I’m aware we all have a shadow side as Jung teaches, which feels like it links up with the Yin and Yang. I do need to read more.
How are you doing today? I’m aware there is probably a big time difference between us, as there is with nearly all bloggers. We come from all over the globe, so it’s to be expected. I’m in the UK, so right now, it’s the middle of the afternoon. I have to make a couple of thank you phone calls today, so will do that and return to my blog a little later. I hope your day is a good one … Ellie x 🦢😘🤍
Several years ago I did my first spoken word show and they played this song before we walked out. It felt like exactly what I needed and I return to it whenever I need a reminder I have and can continue to do hard things. Sending you love this morning, Ellie.
How brave of you to do a spoken word show. It must have taken courage to get up there and speak in front of others. Well done you. I love this song; I haven’t played it for a few days. Perhaps, I will take the opportunity of listening to it again, especially at the moment when things are tough, and I’m not feeling at all brave. I will remind myself, as you say, that I can do hard things, too. Love to you also, dear friend … Ellie Xx 🦢💖😘