True Confidence

Some people exude confidence. As they enter a room, their aura floods the space making a grand entrance before them. The person holds their head high, back straight, walking tall. Smiling graciously as they cross the floor. People find them attractive, like a shiny jewel in a shop waiting to be taken home. But how deep is this persons confidence really? Is the whole thing a glossy performance, covering up the quaking within? Does the person really feel confident? How can you tell? It may not always be possible to differentiate between a truly confident person and 'one faking it till they make it.'

A firm sense of self belief goes a long way towards true confidence. How can confidence be raised? Initially by acknowledging your achievements, by setting boundaries of what you will and won't except, by adopting the body language of a confident person. By giving things a go and not giving up when the going gets tough.

Do YOU have true confidence? 

 Remembering that you CAN do so much even if somewhere along the line you have 'forgotten' how much you can do. Whether it is because you are in a job that only focusses on certain types of activity, or whether you're currently not in work, or maybe you're a full time parent or home-maker and so lots of the things you've done before are pushed into the darkest corners of your mind, gathering dust. Sometimes you have to play a little, scroll back to an earlier time when you were a little more confident perhaps. Being gentle with yourself, forgiving yourself minor sins. Allowing a few crumbs to settle on the carpet of life, without feeling the need to sweep them away. To spend time simply 'being' rather than constantly doing.

Spend time today thinking about the times when something has gone right, or you have achieved a sense of satisfaction, whether it has been making a delicious dinner enjoyed by family and friends, taking a photograph that blows your breath away, starting writing that book that you've always fancied writing. Really focus on the sensation you can remember, the feelings that success brought with it. Treasure it, and add it to your personal stash of achievements. Next time you're feeling worthless or down get it out, read it and remember that actually you can do it, that you are worthwhile and that you have a right to be proud of yourself.