"Confidence is the companion of success."

-Author Unknown

Alright, I can deal with this one. I’m going to go a different way with it though-

Kylie and I were just discussing yesterday how recently we’ve both realized just HOW important it is to have confidence; confidence in yourself, your abilities, and your future.  We are very similar in personality; strong willed, sharp, compassionate, yet stubborn as hell.  Another trait I’ve come to realize…we’re very unwilling to change for another.

The both of us have had recent relationship trouble.  She had been in a “dead” relationship for over a year, and it was taking a toll on her both mentally and emotionally.  Kylie is incredibly smart, tends to care too much, and always ends up getting the shitty end of the deal. Both of us are incredibly non-materialistic, dress to be comfortable, and are perfectly content with staying in every Friday night with a large bowl of ice cream, watching really horrible movies. The man she was with always wanted to be on the go, wanted her to dress and act a certain way, and often made her feel like she wasn’t worthy of being the woman on his arm.  Shortly after they broke up, I could start to see her confidence in herself returning…something I like to see.

She just went out on a date tonight, and was very nervous.  I told her to have confidence in herself, and be 100% Kylie.  She did, and it went great.

I’ve had an interesting time with this subject recently as well.  Growing up, I was always the shy girl.  I always had friends, just not that many, and I kept to myself.  I was always home, and honestly afraid to put myself out there and try something new.  I am a firm believer that getting my first job changed that for me.

The year I began working, was the year I came out of my shell.  I am forced to constantly deal with the public, and therefore desperately needed to learn how to communicate well with people, and fast.  I caught on very quickly, and have actually won multiple customer service awards for my friendliness. Not only did it help me in that sense, but work is also where I have met some of my best friends, including Sylvie.  My co-workers are like my summer family; always there for me, good or bad.  Spending almost every day with these people, I started to learn a thing or two about them…and myself.  That year I began going out on my nights off and weekends, started making road trips, and in general was a much happier and more confident person.  Even throughout my recent relationship, I found myself to be at an advantage.  Not only do I have an excellent support system (something he lacked), but I have the confidence to stand up for myself and my beliefs…something I may not have done before.

Confidence IS the key to success. Believing in yourself, knowing what your want out of life, and being able to carry yourself in a respectable manner are extremely important qualities. Confidence is what keeps your head up, motivates you to keep pushing forward, strengthens your faith in yourself and your abilities, and keeps you on the right path to your own personal success.

If you don’t have confidence at your side, you better have one hell of an alternate companion.