Bravery with a Side of Gratitude: Notes from a Woman Flourishing with Albinism
Introduction
For many of us living with albinism, bravery shows up in small, everyday choices like stepping into unfamiliar spaces, asking for help when we can’t see something clearly, or introducing ourselves when we fear judgment or misunderstanding.
I’ve been reflecting on bravery as a character strength, how it shapes our identity, and why it’s essential to cultivating gratitude and self-compassion in the albinism community.
What Does It Mean to Be Brave?
Bravery means facing fear, pain, or uncertainty with courage.
It’s not the absence of fear. It's the willingness to act despite it because something else matters more.
Bravery can look like:
Speaking up when you´re scared of sounding stupid.
Trying something new, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Walking into a new place where you don’t know what to expect.
Admitting vulnerability and asking for help.
These small, courageous acts shape who we become. Each time we face fear and act anyway, we build a stronger, more grounded sense of self.
A Personal Reflection: Finding Bravery at the Albinism Fellowship Conference
I attended the Albinism Fellowship Conference in Derby. It was my first time surrounded by so many people with albinism, and although I was excited, I was also a bit nervous.
There were three moments when I had to consciously call on my inner bravery:
Walking through the door of a completely new space feeling excited but a little bit intimidated by the unknown.
“Laura, you belong here. Go in.”
Speaking up during a session. I caught myself rehearsing what I wanted to say instead of listening, but then I paused, breathed, and found my voice.
Introducing myself to someone I deeply admire. I reminded myself:
“This person is human too, with the same need for safety, satisfaction, and connection.”
Each of these moments reminded me that bravery isn’t about being fearless. It's about being present with fear and moving forward anyway.
And when I did, what I found was connection, respect, and joy.
Why Bravery Is So Important for People with Albinism
For those of us with albinism, bravery is not optional. It's a part of daily life.
We often navigate environments that are visually and socially demanding, like:
Entering bright, noisy places such as airports or shopping centres.
Walking down unfamiliar streets where lighting and contrast make visibility difficult.
Managing social interactions where people may stare or comment.
Each of these situations asks for courage and patience.
Cultivating bravery allows us to:
Adapt confidently to unpredictable environments.
Advocate for ourselves when our needs aren’t immediately understood.
Recover faster from challenging or awkward moments.
See bravery as a strength, not just survival.
In mindfulness terms, bravery is the practice of meeting fear with awareness and kindness.
The Connection Between Bravery, Identity, and Gratitude
Every act of courage shapes our identity. When we move through fear aligned with our values such as authenticity, purpose or connection, we reinforce who we truly are.
Our beliefs also matter:
“I can do hard things.”
“I’ve been afraid before, and I still showed up.”
“Courage opens doors for others.”
Gratitude ties it all together. When we reflect on moments of bravery with gratitude, we transform fear into fuel.
“I’m grateful that I did what I was afraid to do, because the outcomes of connection, learning and growth were far more important than the fear itself.
A Simple Practice to Cultivate Healthy Bravery
I invite you to try this reflection exercise:
Recall a recent moment when you felt fear but acted anyway.
Identify your anchor — a value or belief that gave you strength.
Express gratitude for that moment of courage.
Silently say: “Thank you for the courage that lives in me.”
Ask yourself:
“Where is bravery asking to show up next in my life?”
This practice helps you connect courage, gratitude, and self-awareness, a powerful triad that builds emotional strength and resilience over time.
Final Thoughts
For the albinism community, bravery is a daily part of life. It’s the inner courage that helps us navigate light, visibility, and social uncertainty while staying grounded in our values.
When we practice bravery mindfully, we don’t just survive the world as it is, we shape it into a place where we and others can flourish. Bravery shapes our identity because it reminds us who we are when we act from our values, not our fears. Sometimes we have to dig deep, but once you find it and you know it´s there, you can return to it again and again.
