"I have confidence, in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me" - Julie Andrews, "The Sound of Music"
Confidence... probably the biggest obstacle between each of us and our dreams.
Whether we like or believe it or not, what we have experienced in the past does have an impact on how we feel in the present. However big or small our past trials and triumphs have been, they have an influence on how we perceive situations in the present, how we react to them, and how we feel we can deal with them.
That by no means goes to say that the level of confidence we feel in ourselves dictates what we can achieve; absolutely not. It is simply fears we have that cause us to doubt ourselves and our potential.
I think there is a lot of truth to the saying that we are each our own worst critic. Many of us find it difficult to accept compliments, but will readily admit our faults. This is, to me, why bullying is especially terrible, particularly in primary school where we are learning about ourselves and might not quite understand truth from lie, or teasing.
I'm currently watching Stranger than Fiction, and find the whole concept quite fascinating; Harold's life is being narrated... the voice either tells him everything he is doing, or tells him what is going to happen. Perhaps if we each had a voice like this tracking our thoughts, we would feel a lot more confident; and a lot less alone; in doing things. This voice transforms Harold's life as he realises he is capable of more. He finds love and passion. There is a lot to be said for moral support and understanding.
Confidence is clearly not simply about achieving things externally to ourselves; our internal thoughts can be very difficult to control, given the mind is such a powerful tool; our thoughts can be overbearing enough to totally distort what we see as truth and reality.
As a finishing thought, there is much to be said for smiling and greeting strangers on the pathway, and random, spontaneous, uplifting acts... break the routine, break from the crowd... cliche as it may sound, it is individuality that makes the world a more interesting and exciting place.
:) one of my usual questions though:
ReplyDelete"it is individuality that makes the world a more interesting and exciting place"
But if everyone was exactly the same could and would the world be a better place?
Very interesting point - it depends the extent to which everyone is 'exactly the same' - identical beliefs, desires, values, opinions - and what level these similarities are at.
ReplyDeleteFor example, if everyone had equal desire for power, might this mean *more* violence? Or would people be accepting of equal leadership?
On the other hand, it'd be wonderful if people had no grounds for discrimination, disagreements, disputes or jealousy.
So, another question is (not necessarily something I think, just a thought) would 'better' equal 'boring'? Is violence; the other negative elements in the world; part of what makes it more exciting?
Long winded reply there, but you got me thinking :P