The other day my daughter was reading an article from our local magazine and she brought to my attention a statement that one of the new medical facilities posted in there. It stated that they were the best! She kind of laughed and asked, “How can they be the best when they just opened?” I thought that was a rather bold statement, but the more I thought about what they said it made me realize just how confident one has to be to claim that title. I’m not talking about the arrogant, cocky type of attitude, but the mere confidence in knowing what you possess. The definition of confidence is a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. This facility prided itself in knowing that it has the best to offer: medical staff, equipment, services, and etc. That small, bold statement made such an impression on my daughter although she was skeptical, it still caused her to raise the question. It wasn’t that she knew what they were capable of and asked the question because she didn’t believe them. It was more out of curiosity than anything that made her want to know.
To be honest, it made me reflect on my life and how I view myself. How confident am I in ME? Am I aware of all of my qualities, traits, gifts, and skills to rate myself in such a way? Have you ever filled out a job application and on there it asked you to rate your level of expertise in whatever categories they had on there? For example: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Did it ever make you question which one you were or caused you to second guess yourself? I know for me it has in the past! How often do you hold yourself to a high standard? If someone asked you to rate yourself at your job, would you give yourself a high rating? Do you believe in yourself enough to proclaim boldly that you are the best? Confidence is something that not everyone possesses. It’s not something that can be bought or borrowed. It comes from within and spreads without.
If you are unsure about your confidence level or would like to build up your confidence here are some suggestions: know your strengths, do one thing that scares you everyday or once a week, acknowledge your limitations, attempt a new activity or hobby, accept compliments, practice daily affirmations, show yourself kindness, and teach people how to treat you. You can build your confidence, but it’s up to you to do it. Start believing in yourself and appreciate the qualities that you have! One of the most powerful quotes I’ve heard is from Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Uninterrupted Thoughts 