Do You Lack 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.

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.

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!”

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!

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! !

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.