Ponderings Along the Pathway...CONFIDENCE

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about CONFIDENCE and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

Confidence is the WISDOM to recognize the unique talents that you possess, alertness to OPPORTUNITIES when they present themselves, COURAGE to actively pursue those opportunities, PATIENCE to plod trough the tedious periods, and DETERMINATION to overturn the negative reactions of others.

Many people cannot recognize their own talents. My daughter was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and with the help of caring professionals was taught how to deal with the emotional aggressiveness of her condition by recognizing and building upon her own talents. Her love of words was a powerful talent for battling, reducing and often blocking a panic attack from starting by journalling.

If you come up blank when asked where your talents lie, ask your friends. Ask your family. They won’t have to filter their answers. Most people recognize talent in others before they do their own. If you can’t make a list of things you’re good (or great) at, ask them to do it. You may be surprised, or you may just wake up to something you already knew. Even marathon runners have a team of supporters to cheer them on.

Meanwhile, opportunities abound for those who are alert to them. Spontaneous conversations can lead to job opportunities, contest entries and new relationships. While on the path to your dreams and goals, don’t just stare straight forward, looking for that finish line. Keeping your eyes and ears open can often point the way to new opportunities, like when my daughter, while surfing the web, hit on a list of contests for writers and poets. There it was - the opportunity to share her experiences and emotions.

Of course, it takes courage to snatch an opportunity when it appears. Listening is not enough. One must open one’s mouth to make a comment, ask a question, or just express interest in the conversation. One must check out a linked website or Google for more information. One must make that leap of faith from passivity to action. You must take that first step, and keep moving your feet. My daughter’s desire to help educate others forced her to come out of her shell and be courageous enough to let others see the talent she possesses. She was soon sending out and emailing her entries on a regular basis.

No accomplishment comes without patience and determination. Just because you start a diet today doesn’t mean you’ll lose weight by tomorrow, and some hiring companies take months before sending out letters with offers or regrets. Contest periods could last up to a year, so the more you enter, the more time will fly by (and the more chance you have of winning). And while I believe in love at first sight, it pays to get to know a prospective soul mate in all aspects of their life. As my daughter patiently checked the status with those contests she had already entered, she was also discovering and entering more contests and competitions, which inspired her to keep writing (see the domino effect here?).

Determination is definitely the game winner. No matter the stumbling blocks in your path toward success, you just have to keep on travelling toward your destination. For every rejection letter you receive, send out two more entries. For every “first-and-only” dates you go on, keep meeting new people and stay upbeat. Every failure means you’re wiser and more alert, patient and determined, as long as you forge ahead. Learn from mistakes, pick up the pace and strive for that finish line. Determined to share her poetry with those afflicted with similar experiences and those who were ignorant to the symptoms of anxiety disorders, my daughter would never have received her first acceptance letter. She is now a published author, and I couldn’t be more proud of her budding confidence and her amazing accomplishments.

Confidence is one of those traits that takes a lot of time and energy.  I hope that you will see the benefits of being a confident person and will work towards becoming a better version of yourself as you journey along life's Pathway. 
   
Well folks, that is it for today but please be sure to join us on Monday for the midway.  Enjoy your weekend everyone!