Brave: Audacious, confident, courageous, daring, dashing, fearless, gallant, gutsy, heroic, resolute, spirited, spunky, strong, valiant, forward, hardy, stalwart, dauntless, indomitable, intrepid, unflinching, and venturesome!

I have been pondering the term cognitive dissonance and how to be brave in the face of adversity. Cognitive Dissonance means that when you present someone with true facts about a subject, the information clashes with their existing beliefs. Therefore, they experience discomfort, leading them to reject the new information to maintain consistency in their thinking.

To clarify: If you argue with someone about true facts in any given scenario, it makes them uncomfortable because they have to confront unpleasant truths about their reasoning. This leads to a psychological defense mechanism where they dismiss or discredit the information to maintain their current perspective or emotional state; this is often linked to confirmation bias, where individuals tend to prioritize information that aligns with their existing beliefs and disregard contradictory information. 

So here’s the dilemma: If you want to explore subjects that may be uncomfortable, for example copyright laws (recent conversation that left me frustrated!) or negative news, realize that facts that aren’t in line with the majority can trigger negative emotions like anxiety or anger, causing people to subconsciously push back against it. You have to realize that others may not want to accept information that requires them to change their behavior or admit they were wrong. They resist new (or old factual) ideas that you are presenting to them. This leads to what is called confirmation bias. Individuals tend to actively seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and disregard information that contradicts them, even if it’s accurate. 

Sometimes the messenger feels a need to be trusted. In the sea of mistrust out in the world, the messenger must be brave and continue to express the significance of hope and respect for any person who is becoming the victim of misinformation. Everyone needs to be brave. They need to acknowledge the bias and prejudice in the world. They need to admit that copyright law exists for original writing and music. The works belong to the writers, composers, and the families. It is not a trivial thing and we have to learn to respect all of these folks in the music and literary industry and not violate copyright law. I don’t know everything about these subjects, but I appreciate it when people stand up for me and my vigilance on this subject.

I don’t argue the facts with others unless they are way off the mark with their comments (incorrect or inaccurate information). I respect that some people are brave enough to support us little people that are trying to do the right thing. I truly dislike when people tell me, “Well that’s your perspective.” It doesn’t solve the problem and it confirms that they weren’t listening to what I had to say.

So, I am asking everyone to try and look on the flip side. I am asking people to have honest conversations, and understand why respect and bravery are important when change needs to happen. We can be brave in this troubled world, and stand up for the folks in need. We can endure many wrongs if we stand up and fight for what is right. Get the picture? Endure any unpleasant situation and persevere. We are strong, bold, beautiful, and brave! Love and hugs to all tonight!