Teyani, I see so much of what you describe. Dauntless isn’t just shaped by suffering—it’s a way of being that emerges when nothing else is left. And yes, I was brave. I was reckless. I was stubborn. I was a rebel. I adapted, endured, and still, I stayed. Not because I wasn’t dauntless, but because power over was absolute. Because I didn’t know another way. Because back then, options weren’t what they are now.
And yet, dauntless doesn’t mean charging ahead without fear. It’s not about force or defiance for the sake of it. It’s about knowing that I have already walked through fire, that I can withstand what comes. That kind of knowing doesn’t just forge resilience—it makes space for ease, for stillness, for choosing what truly matters.
Dauntless isn’t about never falling. It’s about rising, yes—but also about recognizing when standing still is its own form of strength.
Thank you Jay. “Standing still is its own form of strength” is perfect to me. This act of courage is ultimately important.
And yes, learning that we can withstand what comes at us is exactly how I live being dauntless. It’s a solid, strong, quiet, inner knowing. The earth on which I stand.
I love how you've redefined 'dauntless' not as the absence of fear, but as the ability to trust oneself in the face of it. It's a quiet, grounded courage that speaks volumes. Your relationship with Jose and the geese perfectly illustrates this – it's not about seeking out battles, but about responding with calm confidence when they arise. It's a beautiful and nuanced perspective on bravery.
“ I know that I can respond.” This says it all Teyani! It’s so true—chapters of suffering forge a kind of unconditional trust in our ability to show up for whatever arises. How beautiful that you can hold and cherish that strength inside you and now choose a softer kind of bravery, even the act of waking up each day and choosing beauty, choosing to serve your clients and community (including the feathered ones!), these are all the pearls you offer the world formed from the grit of your past. 🙏
For me a word that I relate myself to is: Hopeful. This word is necessary for me so I don’t get stuck in the mire, so to speak. Being hopeful has many, many layers attached to it from temporal to spiritual. Identifying what I hope for, I can’t just hope and do nothing to bring about fruition which also has layers. There is work involved.
I love the word Hopeful! And yes, it suits you. ❤️
Being hopeful holds within it having a plan, and your strength is remarkable. I’ve watched as you walk thru so many challenges and know your courage, kindness, humor and steadfast hope. You’re a gem, my dear friend.
Thank you for sharing this. The exercise of finding good and bad synonyms for a word applicable to the self is something I do with “stubborn.” As you see when you do this with dauntless there are synonyms I don’t want to embody and others I value. Also happy to see your Mallard friends make a cameo here!
Thank you dear James. You make me smile with the thought of synonyms for stubborn…. How about determined or steadfast. 🤗. Your strength is exemplified by all that you have accomplished.
And yes! Jose has learned to not scare “my” mallards!! ❤️
What a wonderful story!
Thank you sweet brilliant lady.
You are most welcome.
Teyani, I see so much of what you describe. Dauntless isn’t just shaped by suffering—it’s a way of being that emerges when nothing else is left. And yes, I was brave. I was reckless. I was stubborn. I was a rebel. I adapted, endured, and still, I stayed. Not because I wasn’t dauntless, but because power over was absolute. Because I didn’t know another way. Because back then, options weren’t what they are now.
And yet, dauntless doesn’t mean charging ahead without fear. It’s not about force or defiance for the sake of it. It’s about knowing that I have already walked through fire, that I can withstand what comes. That kind of knowing doesn’t just forge resilience—it makes space for ease, for stillness, for choosing what truly matters.
Dauntless isn’t about never falling. It’s about rising, yes—but also about recognizing when standing still is its own form of strength.
Thank you Jay. “Standing still is its own form of strength” is perfect to me. This act of courage is ultimately important.
And yes, learning that we can withstand what comes at us is exactly how I live being dauntless. It’s a solid, strong, quiet, inner knowing. The earth on which I stand.
What a marvelous bit of distinction work exploring Dauntless. Thank you for exploring the word and sharing your story of experiencing it. 🙏🏻
And thanks for being here and sharing your thoughts David. It’s awesome to be part a the same tribe as you ❣️
I love how you've redefined 'dauntless' not as the absence of fear, but as the ability to trust oneself in the face of it. It's a quiet, grounded courage that speaks volumes. Your relationship with Jose and the geese perfectly illustrates this – it's not about seeking out battles, but about responding with calm confidence when they arise. It's a beautiful and nuanced perspective on bravery.
Thank you Alexander. It feels wonderful that you understand.💫
“ I know that I can respond.” This says it all Teyani! It’s so true—chapters of suffering forge a kind of unconditional trust in our ability to show up for whatever arises. How beautiful that you can hold and cherish that strength inside you and now choose a softer kind of bravery, even the act of waking up each day and choosing beauty, choosing to serve your clients and community (including the feathered ones!), these are all the pearls you offer the world formed from the grit of your past. 🙏
Thank you for seeing me Kimberly. It means a great deal, my friend.
For me a word that I relate myself to is: Hopeful. This word is necessary for me so I don’t get stuck in the mire, so to speak. Being hopeful has many, many layers attached to it from temporal to spiritual. Identifying what I hope for, I can’t just hope and do nothing to bring about fruition which also has layers. There is work involved.
I love the word Hopeful! And yes, it suits you. ❤️
Being hopeful holds within it having a plan, and your strength is remarkable. I’ve watched as you walk thru so many challenges and know your courage, kindness, humor and steadfast hope. You’re a gem, my dear friend.
“Being dauntless means I trust myself.”
I really liked this article, and this sentence was such a highlight. It’s so simple on the surface but so powerful. 👏 👏
I can’t think of a word off the bat I use or relate to, but it has me thinking. 🤔 😊
Thanks Mike! Trusting myself has given me the ability to not be fearful of what might happen.
I’m not having a word pop to mind right now for you, but it could possibly have something to do with not giving up? Maybe tenacious?
Almost like a spell, an incantation on the word dauntless. What a great word to wear like armor.
But madcap... hmmmm, methinks I need to bring that one back. 😅
Yes! Like an incantation on the word dauntless. Thank you for this.
Madcap is delightful, isn’t it! 🤭
Thank you for sharing this. The exercise of finding good and bad synonyms for a word applicable to the self is something I do with “stubborn.” As you see when you do this with dauntless there are synonyms I don’t want to embody and others I value. Also happy to see your Mallard friends make a cameo here!
Thank you dear James. You make me smile with the thought of synonyms for stubborn…. How about determined or steadfast. 🤗. Your strength is exemplified by all that you have accomplished.
And yes! Jose has learned to not scare “my” mallards!! ❤️
I like steadfast! Inflexible and uncompromising are the ones I don’t like. Thanks Teyani
From all I read about you in your posts, steadfast suits you .💫
Thank you Teyani