BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Running at practice in these GREAT temps I was doing some thinking. It has always been my rule that in practice anyone you meet when running an out and back you tell them "good job!" Anyone you happen to pass on your run in practice you tell them "Good job!" 

photo by Down Home Portraits

I was watching them run, meeting one another with "good jobs" and I began to notice their confidence. A great, quiet confidence in the way they carried themselves and the way they looked one another in the eyes. It hit me that the confidence with which they run has come from within these runners. The work they have put in since May has brought them to a point of believing and knowing they are strong enough to finish and not only that but finish strong. 

photo by Down Home Portraits

We can give our children a lot of things. We can give them cars, clothes, money.....things. We can never "give" them the confidence that comes from earning a belief in oneself. That comes from letting kids fail, letting kids get hurt sometimes, and letting kids know that not everyone gets the prize for just showing up. 

Learning to cope in this race we call life...where to "speed up" and where to "slow down." Learning that self esteem is cultivated and built rather than given through gifts and unearned trophies. Telling them "good job" and expecting them to tell others and encourage friends. 

photo by Down Home Portraits

Confidence is not bragging or pride. It is an intriguing attribute that draws others in and motivates them to do what you do. Very attractive and very evident in those that possess it. Quiet confidence is a must to becoming successful. Hard work can produce it! Have a good one!