Word of the Week: Intrepid

(in·trep·id) – fearless; adventurous; resolutely bold, especially in the face of difficulty

Being intrepid isn’t about sailing solo across the Atlantic (though if you do, we expect postcards). It’s about shifting how you approach challenges so they feel less like a wall to bang your head against—and more like a doorway you get to unlock.

Sometimes, it’s not the challenge itself that changes, but your perspective on it. A tiny mental pivot can turn dread into determination, avoidance into curiosity, and—my personal favorite—resentment into play.

Take my finances, for example. I’m in the thick of rebuilding my credit. Old me treated it like a shame spiral: endless numbers, past mistakes, and a whole lot of “ugh.”

But then I decided to treat it like a game—leveling up, strategizing, and earning little “wins” along the way. Suddenly, I wasn’t resisting the process. I was invested in it. And that, friends, is intrepid living.

You don’t have to erase fear or discomfort to be bold. You just have to change the way you step into it. Shift the lens. Play with the frame. Look for the angle that makes your next move feel like your choice—not a chore someone handed you.

Positive Self-Talk for the Week:

• “I can do hard things when I stop making them the enemy.”

• “This is just a level I’m learning to master.”

• “Intrepid doesn’t mean fearless—it means I’m going in, even with the butterflies.”

Try This:

Pick one area of life you’ve been resisting—whether it’s meal planning, having a tough conversation, or cleaning out that closet you avoid like the plague. Ask yourself:

1. How can I frame this as an opportunity instead of a punishment?

2. Is there a way to turn this into a challenge, experiment, or game?

3. What would happen if I leaned in instead of avoiding it?

The boldness is already in you. Sometimes, it’s just waiting for a new perspective to let it out.

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About the Author:

Elizabeth Rago is a storyteller, strategist, and community builder who’s equally at home

writing compelling content or navigating teenage chaos with tea in hand.

A seasoned writer with 20+ years of experience across industries—from mental health and design to insurance and advocacy—she’s also the founder of MDW (The Modern Domestic Woman), a no-fluff resource hub for women in transition.

Whether she’s ghostwriting for execs or spotlighting small-town gems, Elizabeth brings heart, humor, and a fierce belief in the power of connection. Learn more at MDWcares.com or find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.