Do You Lack Self Confidence?
Are You Lacking in Self Confidence?
Not everyone was born with a natural instinct to stand up for themselves with boldness and confidence. It all depends on how you were modeled during your childhood. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Sometimes, all it takes is the right words spoken at the right time in the right place.
I'm sharing a short story of how I built self-confidence. I pray you find solace and energy to renew your strength.
An Unusual Pair
While working as an Outreach Worker for the Katrina Recovery Project, a FEMA funded program that offered counseling for hurricane survivors, I was placed with an unlikely partner.
Pinkie was my exact opposite. While I was outgoing and expressive, she was reserved and blunt.
Building Your Confidence and Self Esteem
My partnership with Pinkie would play a major role in the changes that were about to take place in my life. As we traveled the roads in our area searching for hurricane survivors, our relationship transformed into something different. While I was fighting to understand recent losses I’d suffered and another unexpected bout of severe depression, she displayed a sense of spirituality and quiet wisdom I’d lost. As my depression lifted, I began to look forward to our daily routine. I asked for Pinkie’s input and opinion concerning several situations. What she gave me was a bit of advice….
“Stand up for yourself!” she declared, “Don’t let somebody put you down!”
Regain Your Self Esteem
As she shared her experiences, I began to realize how I’d allowed myself to become a victim. My eyes opened when I finally understood the enormity of my beaten condition.
I regained my self-esteem and changed into who I was before: a whole individual with a right to my emotions, feelings, and opinions. I realized I couldn’t change how people treated me, but I could change how I reacted! And that’s exactly what I did!
"Thank You for Calming the Storm"
Learn From Others Confidence
I saw Pinkie, recently, and learned she’d been very ill. But her faith in God and her fighting will pulled her through! I’ll never forget her self-esteem and how she helped me regain mine.
Today, I remain steadfast in my endeavor to encourage others to overcome obstacles in life. If it weren’t for God and individuals like Pinkie, things may have turned out differently. Now I’m victorious! !
Steps For Building Self Confidence:
Just remember: you aren't looking for someone else's approval.
1.) Be true to yourself.
2.) Do what feels right in your heart.
3.) Tell yourself daily you have the ability to succeed.
4.) Pray and meditate on positive things.
5.) Do good for others; it's cleansing.
6.) Breath deeply and remind yourself that God made you special for a reason.
And last but not lease, remember that your talents may be hidden. If you look deep enough, you will find the courage and self-confidence to build your self esteem to the place where Nature intended.
Other Suggested Reading:
- How To Overcome Depression: A Recovery Story
Although the effects of depression are devastating, the final result can be a life changing accomplishment, once you learn the cause and effects of the illness. Read about one woman's victory over this devastating sickness. - Celebrate Recovery: The Eight Principles & Me
A realistic and simple explanation of the eight principles of the Celebrate Recovery program. Written in a humorous, realistic and straight-forward manner, you'll learn that you're definitely not alone in your thoughts. - Compulsive Disorders: How To Manage Obsessive Though...
Do you struggle with obsessive thoughts that will not go away? Do you struggle with managing your intrusive thoughts? Read about the roll of the drug Luvox (Fluvoxamine)to treat obsessive compulsive disorder & obsessive thoughts.
Related
Comments
smart terrific hub read write thanks
This is a very good story of gaining back what was lost. Thank you for sharing it.
This really impresses on my mind that you never know who God will put in your path to help you get through lifes ups and downs, or teach you a life lesson.
It too took me some time to come to the conclusion that while you can't change how people treat you, you can change how you react to it. Even now I have to remind myself of this.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
You have a very good out look on things. It seems that way to me. I admire thing's like this, writings. It helps me stop to think for a moment to analyze myself. What steps am I taking? you know? Well Said. I admire people as a whole who seem to have a way with words. Would you happen to have anything on quick tempers? =)
You gotz' some mad skilletz girl....
LOL.. Sry..
Thank you for your most inspiring hub. I was at the same stage but had to pull myself up. I know what it feels like.
Soul touch.Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing this with us...inspirational...Larry
- Author
thevoice: Thank you for enjoying my hub.
RecoverToday: Glad you enjoyed.
Veronica: I'm always pleased when you respond so postitively. You yourself are an inspiration and true kindrid spirit. Thank you!
- Author
Dom Shadows: I love your mannerisms! You are too cool! I'll work on that article about 'quick tempers'...hold your horses!
Hello: I'm glad you were inspired and could relate. You have true insight.
gusripper: As always, you're very deep. Thank you.
maven!: You are very welcome, my friend!
Yes, we can get pretty beaten down, hearing other peoples opinions? Learning to respond, rather than re-act, is a good thing:) I know many times in my own life, with out God to sustain me, my life would of fell apart. Encouraging Hub!
- Author
heart4theword: Thank you very much for your input. Getting beaten down by others is so self-defeating, but rising above it is freeing!
Very good hub and very well spoken. Cheers.
Extremely articulate and important hub. I am happy for you.
Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your life.
Namaste.
- Author
Ladyjane1: Thank you. Glad you enjoyed.
breadfastpop: I appreciate your well wishes!
Deborah: You are quite welcome!
three cheers for pinkie, wish i could meet her. brilliant hub
- Author
poetlorraine: I give Pinkie 5 stars! I wish you could meet her too. Thank you for the positive comment.
Great hub, and I love your new avatar! Very nice....Pinkie sounds like a great person!
This is such a wonderful testament to how God brings people into our lives when we least expect it and how much of an impact we can have on others. God bless both you and Pinky for your genuinely loving hearts. The world is a better place because of you two.
I feel better and inspired for having read this. Thank You for posting it. May I ask what you do in the mental health field? I am in college for psychology and wanted to get a few answers.
- Author
Debilyn: Thank you for your glowing comment!
susanlang: Thanks for the read.
deepthinker: Glad to have inspired you.! You ask what I do in mental health....well, my title is QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) but I do mental status assessments on clients in crisis situations (suicidal, psychotic, delusional, etc). I get to interview, assess, and make recommendation on whether to send to psych hospital or not. I DO NOT diagnose, I don't have the qualifications. Simply, I'm a 'screener'. I also handle court commitments. Contact me any time.
God Bless You for helping those in distress. I am opposed to the phony self-esteem vision in our educational system. It is better to tell children: you want self-esteem? Then when you lie on your deathbed make sure the way you lived your life makes those around you say, he/she was a good father/mother, sister/brother, son/daughter, friend, loved one. That is true self-esteem. It is earned not given. Thank you!
- Author
James: I'm so glad to have shared this with you. I like what you say here: True self esteem is earned, not given.
anyone can be cured from mental illness by trust on our loving GOD
- Author
ASFA123: It's good to know we can rely on Him to supply ALL our needs. He is the Healer, we merely must give it to Him FIRST, then He will do the rest.
Thank you, this is very good.
- Author
Jennifer: Appreciate it......
Wwritten gwell-good message but please tell me what can you say to say to someone who has seen the Kingdom of Heaven felt its peace and was told- "it's not yoour time-".? Then was thrown back into a broken shell of your former self- how does one escape the that message? What can I derive from it ? Read my 3 part Hub and you will get the whole picture...Just asking a faithy- mentally-smarty person (meant in a good way) what YOU think...
- Author
tom hellert: Thank you for your comment. I'll certainly go to your hub and 'try to think of somenthing'.
Thought is what proves we exist... i think (tee hee).
It is amazing how the right people come into our lives at the right time. That is a wonderful story!
- Author
jennshealthstore! Wy thank you. Yes, it is amzing how things sometimes fall together so well. Glad you were inspired.
Amen! You are a light to where there is darkness!! Thank you for you beautiful inspiration! Life is a journy and what you do on your way is what counts!!
- Author
sherrylou: Thank you ever so much. I'm happy to inspire others!
Wonderful Hub, donotfear you deeply inspired me. God Bless you! Hey when you get a chance, come visit me. Be BLESSED!!!
- Author
pastor carlotta: Thank you!! I'll see you very soon.
A story so close to my heart...Thanks for sharing
- Author
Celestelliv: You are so welcome. I'm glad to have touched you.
A very good write indeed. People change people but only if we allow them to change us and in your case it benefited you.
39