The Unspoken Truth About Not Being 'The Brave One'

'Not the brave art'

For as long as I can remember, people have been telling me that I'm not like everyone else. They've said things like, 'Why aren't you screaming loudly across a kitchen table?' or 'You're so quiet, it's almost eerie.' And while these comments may seem harmless on the surface, they've taken a toll on my self-esteem and left me feeling like there's something fundamentally wrong with me.

As someone who has been called out for being too quiet by even those closest to me, I know that these kinds of comments can be damaging. My former best friend's mom once told me that she was surprised I wasn't more outgoing, implying that I was somehow less than others because of my reserved nature. It's little things like this that have led me to believe that being 'the brave one' is the only way to be accepted and loved.

But what about those of us who don't fit into this mold? What about Nott the Brave, a goblin rogue from Critical Role who may not be the most obvious hero type but has a heart of gold and a wit as sharp as her blades? She's a reminder that bravery comes in many forms and that being 'normal' doesn't always mean you're the most interesting or memorable person.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to life. We all have our own unique strengths and weaknesses, and it's time we start embracing those differences rather than trying to change them to fit someone else's idea of what makes a good person. So the next time you're tempted to make a comment about someone being too quiet or too outgoing, remember that there's beauty in diversity and that everyone has their own story to tell.

In the words of Nott herself, 'I may have sticky fingers for buttons, but I'm trying to make my way in this world.' And who knows? Maybe one day we'll learn to appreciate the brave art of being different.

Nott the brave art