Confidence

You have the power to give it, and, it might be the most valuable gift you can give.

Objectively looking back on my life, I can see areas of great confidence. I can see how the original seeds of my efforts were nurtured and tended, so that confidence and skill grew.

I can also see where I have failed to thrive, due to a combination of two things — lack of natural ability and lack of encouragement.

I’m totally fine with a lack of encouragement when there is no talent. Why would you encourage somebody to run a marathon when their talent lies in sprinting?

OK. Let’s see if I can make the topic of painting interesting. How are my skills as a writer? Hmmm…

Our first home was a Milwaukee bungalow. She had great bones and natural features. Built-in cabinets with stained glass adorned the lower units living and dining areas. There was a cute little sun porch and a tiny little yard.

What the old girl lacked (she was built in 1926) was upkeep. She was beat down and battered. We were young and ambitious. It was a perfect match. We overpaid — inexperience, but that is a story for another day.

Our intent was to rent out the upper flat, save the cash and build someday. We were on a five year plan. If memory serves, we moved into our new house within about four and a half.

Ahem — sorry, back to the painting.

I learned how to paint in that old bungalow. The first day, we bought the trays and rollers, extenders and brushes, paint and more paint. I was intimidated.

Strange, I know, but I had never done it before. I have since helped others paint a room and I’ve seen the same nervous reluctance in them. Afraid of painting, why? What could go wrong that couldn’t be fixed?

Turns out, some can paint better than others. There is some skill and a need for patience involved.

Maybe it was the old Tom Sawyer technique, but I was highly praised for my painting abilities in that old duplex. I became a good painter. I cannot tell you how many hours of my life have been spent painting — siding, decking and walls. I’m neat. I do not leave brush or roller marks and I always look upon a completed project, fulfilled.

I became a good painter because I took the initial step, had some natural ability and — here’s the secret sauce — I was encouraged!

We have the power to encourage people toward confidence and success, if only we take the time and effort, to recognize their abilities.

It’s really that simple. Do you know how powerful you are? See the good and tell somebody about it.

It’s — really — that — simple.