"I've spent most of my life walking under that hovering cloud, jealousy, whose acid raindrops blurred my vision and burned holes in my heart. Once I learned to use the umbrella of confidence, the skies cleared up for me and the sunshine called joy became my faithful companion."
Confidence seems to be one of those qualities that most of us long to have more of, and believe that this uplifting feeling is the answer to our dreams, and it will allow us to ask for what we want, let us speak up when we are not being heard, and give us the ability to handle whatever the universe sends our way. In short, we believe that confidence will make life better. There are two kinds of confidence, and distinguishing "confidence" and "self-confidence" is important to claiming our courage.
When we talk about confidence, we talk about something that is "out there" and external, situations and circumstances. We say things like, "I am confident that everything will work out. I am confident that everyone will show up." Although coming from a place of personal belief, this kind of confidence depends on something outside of ourselves.
Then there is self-confidence. Self confidence is a belief in oneself, a belief in one's own strengths and capabilities. Closely tied to our self-esteem, it is a kind of trust in ourselves.
The truth is we need confidence and self-confidence.
Taken from the book, Courage by Debbie Ford