Confidence – Got That!

How would you rate your confidence level?

I must say that when it comes to confidence; I feel secure. I know without a doubt that I can do anything, if I put my mind in to it. I also am aware enough to know if I shouldn’t even attempt certain things. I believe that confidence is learned. It comes through trying and failing, but getting back up to try again. I know that may sound a bit clique’, but it is true.

I was not born with this confidence. I was a shy little girl due to a traumatic accident that happened to me when I was five years old. However, that is a whole other story. Needless to say, it changed my personality completely. I once was a selfish little brat who always got my way. I was just plain rotten. After the accident, I was quiet and withdrawn. I was a literal “wall flower” kind of person. I didn’t have a voice, no opinion, nor many friends.

As I grew older, there was a person inside of me that craving to emerge. I realized that if I was going to get anywhere, accomplish anything – that things needed to change. At first, it was baby steps trying new things. Sometimes it was successful, other times it was failure. I just kept trying to do my best. My confidence started to grow and so did my voice. It was satisfying to feel like I had worth. I became aware that I wanted to encourage others. I felt so alone for many years and desperately wanted someone to encourage me – to tell me that I had a purpose. Upon entering adulthood and parenthood, my life was really busy and I didn’t see the growth that was happening right there in front of me. I began to make it my mission to be there for others; when they needed a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. I was becoming confident and liking the person LaDonna was growing into.

One day my husband said I had changed. I was confused. I was still the same person – well at least I thought so. I inquired to why he thought that I was different. He told me that I was determined, confident, and he felt I didn’t need him anymore. While the things he was saying was true in that I could do things by myself. I assured him that regardless of my growth that I would always need him.

Today, I must say, I am a very confident person. It feels good to have a voice and opinion. I have also learned that there is a huge difference between confidence and pride. I know where I have come from and I am thankful for the learning.

I want to encourage anyone who is suffering from lack of or little confidence. Try to see where that came from. Can you do anything to fix that situation? You may not be able to change the facts of the past, but you certainly can put them behind you and start fresh. It’s all in how you want to move forward. Remember the past is the past and you can’t live there. You must live in the moment. Before long you will have made baby steps toward being more confident.