Sometimes the Bravest Thing is Something You Don't Expect

Sometimes the most fun adventures in life are when you are open and just show up to live life.
It may sound silly, but I love to celebrate the little victories in my own journey of self-awareness and growth.
The last Saturday of June was an opportunity where I was brave and showed up. 

My dear friend Sarah was getting married in Cleveland. I went to the wedding without a date/significant other and literally only knew the bride. Even as a loud-mouthed extrovert, I felt a little nervous.
The wedding was beautiful in charming old church and Sarah was stunning.
After the Mass, I made my way to reception venue over looking the water in downtown Cleveland. During the cocktail hour, I confidently walked around and eventually started chatting with a group friends who used to be roommates with the bride. 
We laughed and made small talk over tasty drinks and appetizers. Our mutual friend, the bride, made her way over to chat and we snapped some pictures.
Eventually it came time to take our seats for dinner. I sat with the most fun group of married couples and singles who knew the bride from college days at John Carroll University.
It was fabulous! We laughed and talked about all the topics you are not supposed to talk about at weddings or family parties, religion and politics. I laughed so hard and met some wonderful people. 
After the official wedding dances, it came time to the DJ to turn down the lights and pump up the music. I was ready to get my dance on.
Now I love to dance, but I have never had so MUCH fun dancing at wedding. I tore up the floor the whole night and only walked off to use the bathroom once or get hydrated with some water.  I danced my first polka and a few guys asked me to dance on several occasions.
I felt happy, excited, confident, and comfortable just being me...even if I did not have a date.
I cannot remember a time as an adult I had such a wonderful time at a wedding reception.
As I drove home the next morning, I spent some time reflecting and praying in the car. I felt brave by just showing up and being open to the experience. That openness led to a wonderful, fun evening.
Sometimes we have to celebrate and own the little wins of our daily lives. Maybe for you it looks different than going to a wedding not knowing a soul or without a date.

It may sound silly to you, but this felt like one of the bravest, most bad ass things a single woman could do.
I am proud of myself. I left thinking and reminding myself I can do scary things in life.
Show up to live your life. Be open.
You might surprise yourself and learn that sometimes the bravest thing to do is something you were not expecting.