I had a metric ton of unearned confidence as a 4th grader. I was absolutely sure every human fell into two camps: 1) Humans who adored me or 2) humans who didn't know me well enough yet. Case and point: I sang Baby Beluga at the school talent show with my FULL CHEST while my mom synthesized the melody and crashing wave sounds on a keyboard. (Very demure.) I wore what I suspected was the absolute pinnacle of fashion (see above). I tried out for every known part in the school play, typically landing “angel #2.” (Christian education) The one thing I knew for sure was that I was pretty amazing.

Things didn't stay that way forever, but I do feel like I got through life with a bit more fortitude and self-assurance than some and here's why. I had fully supportive and loving parents who nary said a negative word about themselves. I learned that confidence was the status quo. It didn't appear magically after you had done enough work. You didn't earn it through rigor, at least not at first. It was just a decision you made. It was just there at the beginning. I was always enough, from the start.

Confidence was a kindness you gave to yourself. That was it.

This week, as you try something new, striving for your next level of growth and self awareness, try this. Kindly give yourself the gift of confidence, like fourth grade Celeste. Just decide that is your status quo. That's the ground zero. You can build a lot from there. I'll be here to cheer you on, metallic green puffy headband and all.

Celeste Holbrook 3000 S Hulen Street Suite 124-731
Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA

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Me in fourth grade, confident as hell