Day 46: Confidence

Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.  - Norman Vincent Peale

I've always struggled with self-confidence. Mostly because of my own failures, and I'm my own worst critic. I tear myself down, and don't value myself very highly. I pick at my flaws, instead of trying to fix them. I hate this about me. I know I am a good person. I make mistakes, I let people down, I hurt people, I embarrass people, but I am still a good person. I am going to be a great person.

I am a nice person. I am kind, considerate, and respectful. I'm always willing to help others, and care more about making others happy then myself. I am not selfish. I am worthy of happiness, and greatness. I need to have more confidence in myself, not to the point of arrogance, but to the point of independent true self-confidence.

I want to have a good level of self-confidence, that's not cocky, but respectable. I want to be able to live without the fear of failures, and know that I will get through things. I need to identify my successes more often, and be proud of myself and what I've done. I need to recognize my insecurities, and work on those areas of my life. I want to learn to accept a compliment, or gift, without being embarrassed and responding inappropriately.

I want to be less sensitive, and to learn how to take a joke. Learn how to accept constructive criticism, and to ignore insults. Stop being serious all the time, and learn to have fun, smile, and laugh every day. I can't crumble at the slightest joke, and lash out at others. I cannot be overly sensitive. I don't want to be shy. I want to learn to talk to others without feeling embarrassed. I want to learn to control the tone and volume of my voice. I don't want to snap on a whim. I don't want to hurt people, or embarrass people. I don't want to disappoint myself or others ever again.

I need to be thankful for what I have, accept my failures, proud of my achievements, focused on my goals, and remember that no one is perfect. I can only try my best, and give 100% of myself every day; if I something doesn't go right then, at least I know I did all that I can do. Failure is not an option, success is the only option. I need to stop looking for acceptance from others, and only require my own approval.

Be emotionally strong, and know who I am. Do not be weak. Stand tall. Be proud of who I am. Present myself well, and be confidently me. I am a good person. I will become a great person. I have goals, that I will attain. I am worthy of true happiness.