I Have Confidence In Me

For several days now I have been trying to figure out how this post should go. I have found myself typing and deleting and typing a little more and deleting. I just was not satisfied with the words I kept coming up with, they were not good enough... I finally hit a breakthrough, though. Confession: it involves Julie Andrews and The Sound Of Music. Let me explain. Just the other day, my sister and I were sprawled out on the couch enjoying a day of doing nothing and watching The Sound Of Music. My assumption is that everyone has seen this movie AT LEAST once, and if you haven't, then -- I'll keep my thoughts to myself about you! Anyway, there is a song that Maria (Julie Andrews) sings on her way to become a governess called, "I Have Confidence In Me." (Here is a link to the song so that you know what I'm talking about... I Have Confidence In Me ) As cheesy as you think it is, this song quite literally describes the situation I was in when writing this post and the place I am in life at this moment. Now, obviously I am not going to be a governess for seven children, but the words applied 100%.

"Oh I must stop these doubts, all these worries

If I don't I just know I'll turn back

I must dream of the things I am seeking 

I am seeking the courage I lack..."

"And mind me with each step I am more certain

Everything will turn out fine

I have confidence the world can all be mine

They'll have to agree I have confidence in me"

Confidence. That's what I need! I am not talking confidence in regards to appearance (that is just a whole other post) but confidence in my abilities, confidence in the fact that I am good enough, confidence that I am beyond capable. Confidence. We could all use a little more of it. 

How many times have you been rejected? How often do you criticize yourself or downplay your capabilities for fear of failure or not being "good enough?" I do it all the time, probably everyday. I mean, it's human nature really, but I look around and see so much doubt in the world already. Why are we adding to the mess by holding ourselves down? If it's okay with you, I'd like to give you a few reasons why you have every right to prance around singing like you were in The Sound Of Music yourself, with all the confidence in the world!

1. You Are God's Child and He did not mess up with you. There are a few cases that like to make me think maybe he just didn't have time to give certain people any sense in their heads and that's why they are the way they are. No. Not true. He did not go wrong with any of us. He has given you every day to live with purpose and with passion. He loves and appreciates you when others don't, he holds onto your hand and guides you through the times when you feel on top of the world, and the times you feel crushed by it. Have confidence in that truth alone!   Galations 3:26 "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith 

1. Don't Worry, Failure Helps You Grow if you let it. I've known myself and other people to simply shut down in the midst of failure. Let's face it, we're ashamed of failing, letting ourselves and others down. It doesn't feel good, sometimes it's embarrassing, and it always hurts. Take it as a lesson. Take it as an even better reason to let confidence in. Don't be the same, be better. It is so easy to believe in yourself when you are succeeding, but why not believe in yourself during times of trial for a change, and see what happens? 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  

1. You Have A Choice of whether or not you are going to live your life by the way the world defines you. You have a choice to chase your dreams or let them fade into the background. You have the choice to let fear take you up in it's suffocating grasp, or kick it in the face. You have the choice to stay hidden behind your walls, or show the world that pretty face. Go ahead, be the mediocre version of yourself, just do enough work to simply pass, let everyone else make your decisions, let them hold you back, or...  Go forth in confidence, chin up, smile so big your nose scrunches up, the fears and the past behind you, the whole wide world in front of you. 

As I encourage you with these things, I want to say that I am speaking them to myself just as well. I have endured unbearable aching pains in my heart, my confidence dim and flickering. However, I am a child of God, my failure will help me grow, and I have the choice and can make the decision to not be afraid, to not let other's thoughts of me have control over my own perceptions and over my dreams. Now go listen to Julie Andrew's song and dance around (I did). Know that your worth is infinite and be bold in your confidence. 

                                   

I would love to hear your thoughts. Tell me what you have to be confident about in yourself today. Leave a comment, shoot me an email, or go leave me a message on my Facebook page, Her Grateful Heart. And if you need some more encouragement, I love to talk and am humbled to listen. 

{living with confidence and forever grateful, Ashley}