What does confidence mean to you?

I have been thinking lately about what confidence means to me. It can mean different things to different people. My three grown daughters have been home in quarantine with us since mid-March and I have gotten to know them better as real grownups and individuals, not just as extensions of myself. All 3 of them are now firmly set on their own, unique paths. One is a medical student who works primarily with the underserved and homeless populations. Her sense of confidence grows with every patient she deals with – she expands her skills and belief that her chosen profession is exactly the right path for her.

My second daughter was working in film and TV production in Los Angeles before she was laid off because of COVID. She had a lot of questions and worries about where her life was going, but has used this downtime to consider all options and to choose what her heart wants, instead of what might be easy or more straightforward. Her confidence is growing every day as she starts to move toward a clearer vision that aligns with her values and her passions.

My youngest is going to be a senior in college. She has struggled with what she wants to do as well. She started school as an engineer, then switched to psychology and is now looking at international nursing programs. As she learns more and clarifies what she wants out of life, she is glowing with confidence about who she is and where she is going.

For each of them, confidence has bloomed as they have dug into their values, priorities, needs and goals and started making changes in their lives to align their head, heart and actions. To me, that is what true confidence is. Examining your heart, being able to see things with clear eyes, making tough choices, creating the building blocks and skills that will get you where you need to go… and then getting brave and just doing it!

What does confidence mean to you?