Bravery is Learned

0

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — How much or little we encourage girls can determine how confident they are as adults. New research has revealed that by age six, girls already start believing that boys are smarter.  Self-doubt effects decisions with school, career, and salary. Now, best-selling author, Caroline Paul wants to put an end to the coddling, and spark a new generation of gutsy girls.

Best-selling author Caroline Paul is on one high-flying adventure after another. That includes being one of the first female firefighters in San Francisco, surfing, and sea kayaking.  And now, she wants to make sure young girls are just as gutsy in their own lives.

“I think it’s really important to encourage bravery in girls … it turns out and studies show this is that parents caution their girls way more they do their boys, which means that girls grow up really being fearful of a lot of things,” Paul told Ivanhoe.

That led Paul to write the book ‘The Gutsy Girl’, followed by ‘You Are Mighty’ to encourage bravery in the next generation.  Little did she know the impact it would have on ten-year-old Arya Jawalikar.

“Dear Caroline Paul, thank for your inspiring words,” Jawalikar recited.

“I’m writing this so I can tell you all the scary and risky but fun things that I have done with your inspiration,” Paul read.

“I also gave a speech to my school about equality, peace and justice for all,” Jawalikar continued.

“Sincerely Arya,” she finished.

Paul said, “For kids, it’s just its really fun to get outside and do things that you are nervous about like Arya told me that she did.”

A chance to meet the author in person was another big milestone for Jawalikar.

“At first she kind of seemed like a super hero. I thought of it as like motivation,” Jawalikar described.

“Bravery is learned. And like anything learned, you just have to practice it,” Paul said.

And push beyond your comfort zone.

Paul also adds that it’s never too early or too late to find our inner gutsy girl.  A good way to start is to practice what she calls micro bravery.  For a child, it can be as simple as raising her hand in class or for an adult going to an event alone.  Those small steps can lead to a less fearful and more confident individual.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:

Caroline Paul

www.carolinepaul.com

Sources: https://www.ted.com/talks/caroline_paul_to_raise_brave_girls_encourage_adventure

Contributor(s) to this news report include: Jennifer Winter, Producer; Rusty Reed, Videographer and Roque Editor, Editor.

To receive a free weekly email on Smart Living from Ivanhoe, sign up at:  http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk