We've been hearing a lot in the news about acts of bravery recently.

When bombs were detonated at the April 15 Boston Marathon, dozens and dozens of parade spectators rushed to the aid of the hundreds of victims instead of running for cover.

Many lives were saved because of their acts of courage that day.

A few days later, hundreds of police officers placed themselves in harm's way in pursuit of the alleged terrorists.

These are acts of valor, to be sure.

While you and I may never be faced with life-threatening situations in our daily lives, we can still develop habits of bravery that will make a difference.

The eldest Wojciechowski grandson graduated from college last weekend, a milestone event for our family. As I listened to the speaker at James Madison University's College of Business commencement Saturday, I thought about what I would say to him and to other college graduates if I were standing before them. If I could say just one thing, it would be this: Be brave.

Take a stand. Step up. Show some pluck. Say "yes" when you can.

Successful people often say they have made at least one major decision that scared them at the time.

By being daring, you can change your life – and maybe the life of someone else – for the better.

Successful people often say they've been lucky, but good fortune flows to those who take action instead of waiting for something good to happen.

J. K. Rowlings had given up her day job to follow her passion for writing and was living in poverty when she completed her first "Harry Potter" book.

It was rejected 12 times. She was told the book was too long for children of that age to take on, but she did not give up.

On her 13th submission, a publishing company chairman gave a draft of the first chapter to his 8-year-old daughter.

She read it, immediately begged for the rest of the chapters, and the rest is history.

Rowlings is now a millionaire hundreds of times over.

Was she lucky, or did she make her own luck by having the courage of her own convictions?

It takes bravery to set and meet goals, to face challenges, to persevere.

Practice courage to find success, and also to choose to do good – to do the right thing when others around you may be doing the wrong thing.

The brave steps you take may be in the community, at work or in your personal life – all may be profound and make dramatic changes in your world.

Some people are natural risk-takers, and think little of trying something new.

They get a thrill from stepping out of their comfort zones.

The rest of us, myself included, need encouragement to seek out challenges.

My bravest moments have been very quiet ones, when I was the only one who knew I was scared to death – a first attempt at public speaking, an opportunity to rappel a 70-foot cliff, returning to college in my mid-40s, accepting my first job as a newspaper editor.

The confidence that comes from taking that first brave step, saying "yes" when you are afraid to, is life-changing.

I encourage you all, whether you are a new graduate or a senior citizen, to take on a job you fear you cannot do.

You may not be a hero to the world, but your bravery can make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Linda

Wojciechowski

associate editor

Catasauqua Press