My Knee As A Platter
Self- Confidence is one of the best weapons one can have against the brutal elements of this world. Knowing who, and what you stand for is the only way to ensure that you do not suffer, trying to live up to the expectations of others.
Having a minimalist mindset, gives me the confidence to present myself the way I am, knowing that I AM GOOD ENOUGH, despite what others might think or say.
For me, "I dish up, and it's up to you if you eat or not."
In other words, I work and make the most of what I already have; Myself... I cannot be anyone or anything else but me.
I am a reserved person, but I've always been bold. I do tend to gravitate to behind-the-scenes operations, and I would happily shine the spotlight on others. However, if I have to step into the limelight, my confidence is evident; and it's not based on any idealism such as these:
- passing a Confidence 101 class,
- not a matter of if I stand out in the room
- not a matter of identifying the strongest personality and trying to emulate that person.
- not a matter of beating the competition.
I see myself as my ONLY competition.
Does anyone remember this catchy tagline?
"Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline" - by Maybelline Cosmetics.
I'll never forget hearing those Ads and the models they used to portray the message.
Those words had a big impact on me; Not the Maybelline products, but I saw and interpreted the words differently, and my perspective was "the power of self-confidence."
I may never be the most intelligent, the most beautiful girl, or regarded as the most successful individual.
However, it's that "je ne sais quoi" quality that has made me stand out, and over the years I've come to realise that I can attribute that quality to my minimalist approach to life.
A little scenario:
I once found myself in a predicament.
I had just arrived at work when I got a call from the VP instructing me to meet and welcome the Opposition Leader of the country (where I was living). I responded ok, but it was NOT ok; I went to meet the VP face-to-face. "Hey, I'm not being funny, but I think it's inappropriate for me to meet and greet the Opposition Leader wearing the opposing and ruling party's colour since it's a big offense in this country." The VP (who was of the ruling party) smiled and said. "Little lady, that's an order." I made it clear that should there be any repercussions, I would not be held responsible. So, the opposition leader arrived, and I stood with the executives and other managers, and introduced myself when it got to me. It so happened that the Opposition Leader only followed my Later in the day, my boss came to me and said. I asked him to explain. He said, I had a crew of executives, meet and greet the Opposition Leader, but who did he follow? That was the most epic check-in that I have seen in all my years. I responded, "I only said my name and welcome." The VP said, "it's the way you walked up and introduced yourself." Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we just have to confidently deliver regardless. Respect goes a far way. How we treat others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves, and having respect and applying empathy is important. Such qualities come naturally to people who are confident and have good esteem. They know their strengths and acknowledge their weaknesses without seeing the need to do things for the sake of impressing others. Before I identified that my tendencies were classed as minimalism, I sometimes felt like I was a paradox. Yes, I am bold and confident. Yet, I would describe myself as being shy. It never made any sense to me. Now that I have delved deeper and applied the minimalist principle of "less is more" in a profound way than just tangible possessions. My holistic use of minimalism makes me own my strengths, acknowledge my weakness, and find ways to grow and believe in myself and my abilities to confidently stand and deliver, even if it was to "chat shit"... In essence, using my knee as my platter means that not having acquired something, or not having access to things that might leave you classed as underprivileged, does not mean you should feel any less, and not have aspirations. I thank you for reading, and I would be very interested to hear your views on self-confidence, as people might gain it at different stages in their lives. Image is a self portrait using my Olympus camera.
Of all the days, the opposition leader happened to be checking into my hotel when I was wearing my bright orange Italian jacket. My favourite jacket. The very colour that you do not wear on such occasions unless you are the Prime Minister of the county and a die-hard follower (in a literal sense if not careful) ... of which I was none.
There was no way around the order. I just had to face the music.order instructions..."
"Little Lady, there's so much power in you and you don't know it."
If only I had a video for you to watch you would understand.
I then realised that having good self-esteem was what made me courageous.
You owe it to yourself to deliver with confidence using the best of your resources. Do not focus on what your limitations are, but focus on being and giving the best of you.
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nice photo :)
Thanks! I'm glad you like it. Feel free to draw it, but make the apple, a coffee cup...and authorise me to use the image, if you ever do....please :)
The idea is not bad, let's see what comes to my mind :) and of course if I do it you can take it without problem
Ok, that would be kind of you...no pressure:)))
As always, it's a pleasure to read you... I vehemently applaud your self-confidence and the profound fortitude that your bluntness of being has given you.
Excellent and exemplary story, I enjoyed every line, and it brought back memories of when I was a junior manager in a large company and there were too many conventions and rules to follow....
And by the way... Beautiful picture!... Wow! ;-)
I send hugs and thank you very much for sharing @millycf1976 friend!.
Thanks for your lovely comment @jlinaresp 😊
I'm happy you enjoyed the story. I can relate all so well to big conventions, rules, and etiquette to follow. It feels weird looking back at those days.
I'm glad you like the photo. I would have liked to have a professional photographer take it, but I'm shy in front the camera and only have the ability to capture the true essence of myself when I am left to just be me and set a timer 😅
Thanks for stopping by, I feel the love:)))
I always find you as a very interesting person. You have a unique point of view over the life and all about it. Your posts always catch my attention and you really have some great stories around yourself. Self confidence is truly the most valuable weapon in everyone’s life. I sometimes struggle in finding myself confident enough. One has to overcome himself in order to become a better version of what he really is. And sometimes the change is what makes people scared. We have to keep up constantly changing ourselves, of course towards the better. 😉
Hey @mdosev,
Thanks for your lovely reply.😊
I think self-confidence is something that comes easier when you let go and just be. Letting go in terms of idealism, fear of acceptance, fear of judgment, and fear of failure, as I find these are some of the things that just hold us back. Having a minimalist mindset shifts your focus to only invest your energy in things that truly matter.
I think people allow others to put them in boxes without even realizing it, then they try to get comfortable in that box knowing that you are accepted being in that box.
Yes, and I think improving a little at a time is good. You have already acknowledged that sometimes you lack confidence...that's the first step to gaining more. 😁
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Thank you very much @ackhoo and the @qurator team.
I appreciate this very much 😊
I love all colors, whether they be bold, pastel, earthy, or muted. I have all in my wardrobe because I like variety. My personality, on the other hand, has never been bold. I was taught to be small, quiet, unassuming, and stay in the shadows to support others. I did learn to step into a leadership role if everyone else falters and doesn't do it, but those rare times were more about "keeping things moving" than being in the spotlight. So, for me, "self-confidence" is more akin to "I think I should try" rather than "I think I can" or "I think I deserve it."
Hello @thekittygirl
This is such an interesting response.
Wow, when I reflect on how my mum brought up me and my sisters, this sounds like it was the unspoken rule/way we were told, whereas my dad was the complete opposite.
I think I fell into leadership from always being seen as the responsible one, who took ownership of things that no one wanted to deal with.
You have made me pause to reflect.
I've always "stepped into leadership" roles when others could not, but it all came naturally, which I guess is from my dad's side (he has always been the leader (headmaster).
Your comment is so thought-provoking and it's an area I want to look deeper into for myself...I love this 😄
Thank you very much:)
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This is the best thing I've read so far today and I can bet it's something I'll always come back to read again. I could sense your confidence by just reading from you. You write powerfully!
I feel empowered by this. The line where you said:
This is very motivating and I am impressed. Thank you for this very encouraging piece @millycf1976 ❤️
Hello @didiee
I'm happy you felt something from my post, and your feedback is so kind 😊
Thank you!
It pains me when I encounter someone who is lacking confidence based on other people's perceptions of them, and what they themselves perceive to be worthy of having self-confidence.
My journey has not been smooth sailing, but I fail to let my circumstances (whatever good or bad experiences) make me a victim, or dim the light within me.
#RiseAbove
Thank you so much for stopping by my post, I appreciate it:)))
Have a lovely day!🌻
Great reading, definitely self-confidence and self-confidence is a super power that we all should have.
Thank you! You come across as confident too:)))
Yes 😉
Thats a boss pose, and a boss story Milly. Id eat that apple right off your knee lol, just take 1 bite and leave the rest haha.
Good words on confidence, feel like i can step it up a bit. Interesting being in such a position to do such things as meeting with VPs, i never did much advanced roles, i like keeping basic i suppose. I keep running my tests.
Keep rockin Milly. Id drop another LUV but im out for the day.
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Thank you!
Good read 😃
Thank you:)))
😃