A Heartfelt Thanks to #10%Braver

When I watched the wonderful videos of thanks shared by #WomenEd, I immediately knew that what I was thankful for was the empowering movement that is #10%Braver.

For me, #10%Braver isn't just a tagline; it's a philosophy that I have embodied to help navigate the choices and opportunities that have come my way or that I have been inspired to seek out. 

When I look back on this past year, where I could easily feel like I'd abandoned being #10%Braver, I can see that being braver just looked and felt different. 

Being braver doesn't always mean taking on more. Sometimes, it's about having the courage to step away from situations that no longer serve, opening doors to new and unexpected opportunities.

I recently found myself at a crossroads that unfortunately won't be too unfamiliar in the profession. I felt in an unsustainable situation impacting my professional confidence, mental health, and physical well-being. It was a difficult realisation that staying on this path would be detrimental. It felt like a personal battle, almost a defeat, to admit that a new direction was necessary. Now being #10%Braver meant taking a step, not away, but toward a different path. I can see now, the #10%Braver philosophy was still there, helping me make decisions aligned with my values and integrity. 

It wasn't about pushing forward in a difficult situation; it became about recognising it was time to forge a new path.

As I move forward on this new journey, I am grateful to be part of a team and culture that encourages and motivates me in empowering and positive ways. A journey that has already reignited the fire for educational leadership and development that was being extinguished.

In expressing my gratitude, I am reminded of a beloved colleague, who cheered me on at the start of my leadership journey. She was a beacon of positivity, lighting up her own path in education. Her sudden departure was a profound loss for our school community. She loved Winnie the Pooh, and a particular quote resonates deeply with my gratitude for #WomenEd's #10%Braver movement:

"Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know." – Winnie the Pooh

As we approach the coming year, I eagerly anticipate continuing my new journey, consciously reconnecting with the inspiring #WomenEd community, and celebrating the incredible women within our sector.

Here's to being #10%Braver.