I have to confide that when I looked up the definition of "confidence," I was surprised.
It is the feeling of reliance and firm trust in something or someone. I guess that makes sense, but what I was seeking was me. Confidence does not imply self-confidence, yet Google and Pinterest would argue otherwise. Here are some of the pins that surface when searching for "confidence":
"Walk like you have 3 men walking behind you."
"I don't dress up for boys. I dress up to stare at my reflection as I walk by store windows."
"Coffee in one hand, confidence in the other."
"Chin up, Princess, or the crown slips."
Although we have come a long way in terms of feminism and women's rights, it still feels like many women have to feel confidence by viewing it through the lens of our appearance as we or men may see us, or material wealth. When really, it is much deeper than skin, as the saying goes. I like the late Carrie Fischer's definition, as it applies to action:
"Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What's important is the action. You don't have to wait to be confident--just do it! And eventually the confidence will follow."
Have you changed any of your confident feelings or actions lately? I'd love to hear about it--I'm @alisonperrie.