Confidence
Jan 16, 2024
My word for 2024 is CONFIDENCE
But...what does that even mean??
Each year I choose a word that inspires me to move forward throughout the year. This year I chose confidence, but not for the reasons you might think.
Confidence is defined as;
1. "the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust" -OR-
2. "a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities" (Oxford Languages)
For me confidence there is a deeper level of meaning. With the word confidence, I also think of strength, resilience and, perseverance.
I feel like when you initially think of confidence, perhaps an image of someone with a huge smile, lots of energy, a bit of swagger and, cracking hilarious jokes in front of everyone comes to mind. On the other side of the coin, this person is sometimes perceived as being conceded, full of themselves or, too much. So although they may appear to have confidence (or over-confidence) that may not be the case.
I think there is a quieter definition of confidence. This confidence is all about trusting your gut, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and, taking the plunge. This confidence is learned through trial and error and picking yourself back up. This confidence is making mistakes, learning from them and, choosing better next time. This confidence is accepting your past and putting one foot in front of the other, knowing you are stronger than you were yesterday. Confidence that is obtained through growth. This confidence is a choice.
I have changed and grown so much in the past few years. Starting a small business is a sure-fire way to learn more about yourself. To be honest, at times, it has been super uncomfortable and almost debilitating but after that season of discomfort has passed, a beautiful new season of motivation, positivity and, acceleration begins.
The confidence I want to embody in 2024 includes knowing when and asking for help. Confidence in knowing what I believe to be true and value, for me. Confidence in making decisions even though I may get it wrong. Confidence in the fact that I am continually learning every day and will never know it all.
Let's go even deeper - confidence is neither a masculine nor feminine trait, it can be different for each gender. But there are masculine and feminine energies we can all embody.
"Likewise, positive masculine capacities include freedom, direction, logic, reason, focus, integrity, structure, stability, passion, independence, discipline, confidence, awareness, discernment, authenticity, strength, clarity, assertiveness, order, and convergence." - found in article titled Feminine versus Masculine Energies in Business, by By Nilima Bhat and Raj Sisodia, published by B The Change (read more)
I found this article so interesting, discussing these two energies and learning to call on their positive qualities, regardless of gender.
The archetypical energies of the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine can be represented as:
Divine Masculine: "...the Divine Masculine represents qualities such as strength, action, logic, protection, assertiveness, and stability. It is associated with solar energy, the principle of active force, and the power of manifestation and protection. The Divine Masculine is often symbolized as a fatherly figure, embodying the aspects of providing, guiding, and protecting."
Divine Feminine: "The Divine Feminine embodies qualities such as intuition, nurturing, compassion, creativity, receptivity, and emotional depth. It is associated with the lunar energy, the cycles of nature, and the power of creation and transformation. The Divine Feminine is often depicted as a motherly figure, symbolizing the aspect of life that gives birth, nurtures, and sustains." - both definitions are taken from an article titled The Divine Feminine and Masculine | Unpacking Energy by Sabrina on asanatribes.com (read more)
The article goes on to say that both are essential for balance and harmony, and by embodying both we cultivate more self-awareness and a more authentic expression of ourselves. **Bonus!** This article invites you to explore these energies on a deeper level by exanimating aspects of yourself using journaling prompts. (And I DO love journal prompts, so I will be diving in!)
So I ask, what is your word for 2024?
How do you want to move forward this year?
What do you want to embody?
Whatever you're called to this year, may you do so with confidence. 🤍
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