Growing up being born premature with low life expectancy, I was always treated differently than others even from my parents and my siblings. During the years of my childhood into my teens, I was told that I was “ugly” and many other things from students and even some young professionals. Self confidence was almost non existent then.
The reason behind my premature birth is that my Mom learned that my Dad’s girlfriend was pregnant. She was a nurse where my Dad did rounds being a physician and where I was born. My Mom went into shock of learning the information thus went into labor for my birth.
As time went on, I realized that my parents essentially my Dad treated me differently than my siblings. My parents had low expectations of me and even love. They were more interested in controlling my life than supporting it. I had to fight what my sister and brothers got without asking. Self confidence was based upon their influence on me back then which I mistakenly believed.
Into adulthood, I found my love of writing which I did well in English class but not in mathematics or science. Undergrad classes were difficult not because they were super difficult but because I lacked self confidence.
Move forward to post divorce and to life of my own which I learned living on my own that I have value and I am worthy that resulted in my self confidence. During this period, I significantly dropped communication with my family especially my parents. They did everything to regain control from my past but I knew that I could live a fulfilling life without them. My move to Texas proved that I was confident in myself to succeed.
From my experience, I learned that self confidence is believed from within despite what others think and feel. I trusted my intuition to make it happen.
In closing, I hope you have the confidence to follow your dreams and to trust your intuition. Together, they can change your life beyond your imagination!
In Confidence,
Leslie Elizabeth David.
The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman 