On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bernice McDonald, a “Tiny Brave Steps” coach who helps midlife women live with courage, moving from feeling not enough to brave enough—one small, conscious step at a time. Bernice shared her favorite quote by Ambrose Redmond: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than the fear.” Her story is a powerful reminder that fear is a normal—sometimes protective—part of life, but true growth comes from choosing what matters most and acting anyway. We explored how fear tries to keep us safe, but also holds us back from meaningful opportunities, whether it’s starting a podcast, having tough conversations, or pursuing love. Bernice’s wisdom and practical advice are relatable for anyone feeling stuck or hesitant. She also revealed resources like her “Tiny Brave Steps Generator” and her Little Books of Courage series, inspiring us all to take those first steps and actively choose bravery over comfort, every day.

Connect With Bernice McDonald

Website: https://tinybravesteps.com

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction And Welcome

00:31 Meet Bernice McDonald

01:44 Ambrose Redmond’s Courage Quote

02:24 Growing Up With Fear

03:35 Soldiers And Side-By-Side Courage

04:19 Inner Warrior And Action

05:25 Everyday Fears And Examples

06:58 Fear’s Protective Mechanism

08:17 Tiny Brave Steps In Action

08:52 Wisdom’s Podcast Journey

10:21 Action Grows Courage

11:04 Mastery And Next Steps

11:40 Judgment And Choosing What Matters

12:51 Personalizing And Facing Fear

13:42 Brave Steps In Relationships

14:17 Whitewater Rafting As A Metaphor

15:06 Workplace Courage And Boundaries

15:46 Fear As A Backseat Driver

17:10 Everyday Courage Decisions

17:45 The Luxury Of Fear

18:39 Judging What’s Most Important

19:49 Workplace Tasks Vs. Personal Goals

20:39 Personal Growth And Risk

21:02 Fear As A Compass

22:32 Settling For Mediocrity

23:12 Podcasting And Opportunities

23:54 Bernice’s Book: Brave Enough

25:06 The Little Books Of Courage

25:58 Connect And Resources

27:16 Closing And Takeaways