Allowing Yourself the Freedom to Shine

When I think about what it means to be a confident person, the first images conjured up by my mind are of a stage; people performing on a stage, to be exact. Actors, singers, motivational speakers, people whom I have often envied for their confidence.

The confidence required to face hundreds, maybe even thousands of onlookers, hanging onto every sound uttered from your mouth, scrutinising every move you make – to me it is mind-boggling to imagine having even an ounce of the confidence required to perform in front of a large crowd.

Giving the matter some deeper thought, however, I realise that the performing begins for us all, and requires huge doses of confidence, from a very early age.

The small child takes their first tottering steps, independently of gripping hold of the coffee table, once they have gained enough confidence to do so. And watching closely is the child’s doting family, scrutinising every move this precious little bundle makes, with camera in hand, or perhaps even a video recorder, ready to immortalise this magical moment in this child’s “stage of life”, albeit a smaller stage than the professional actor may use.

But does true confidence involve any stage performance at all? I don’t believe it does, for true confidence stems from within.

Rather than being an occasional public performance, true confidence is more of a subtle, daily event.

If there are days when you feel your confidence may be lacking, you might like to give yourself the opportunity to shine like the brightest star, by trying a few of these simple ideas.

Believe that you are beautiful. The reflection in the mirror isn’t the important factor here. It’s your soul that counts, the inner being that makes you who you are. Believe in you!

Don’t allow unwarranted criticism to bring you down. Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life, there are those who feel so insecure in their own lives, they hate to see anyone else succeed. Don’t listen! Perhaps a kind word to these people, rather than retaliating, will bring about a positive change in their lives.

Don’t bring people down with harsh, unnecessary words. You don’t appreciate criticism yourself, right? The world is big enough for everyone to sparkle and shine, without the need to reduce another’s shining light.

Realise that nobody is perfect! Yes, that’s right, even the friend who appears to have it all has insecurities of their own and they would appreciate a compliment from a friend. Be that friend.

Smile! Even a stranger appreciates a smile. I’ve lost count over the years of how many conversations I’ve had with strangers, whilst standing in line at the supermarket! A smile can break down so many barriers.

It may surprise you when you realise how much confidence you have gained, simply by taking yourself away from your own introverted thoughts and beginning to show interest in others by reaching out a hand in friendship. :)

About our Freedom Space Writer

Choosing to live with her eyes wide open, Joanne Keevers has formed the habit of finding inspiration in the simplest aspects of everyday life. She shares her “Everyday Inspirations” at Home Life Online and more recently has begun to ponder the fact that there is more to this life than meets the eye at A Sense of Spirit.