(Nimue)
Confident people try things. If they have enough confidence, then setbacks and mistakes do not leave them feeling so overwhelmed with failure that they quit. Of course there are times when quitting is a good idea, and we need to be realistic about our limits. However, looking around I see less than skilled people, not so wise people, not especially knowledgeable or effective people in places of power and influence. I see too many good people not confident enough in their own abilities.
Confidence tends to have more to do with privilege than anything else. Wealth is a massive factor. But then, it's easier to take risks and make mistakes if you can afford to. When we measure the value of people by the money they have, we overlook potential, and the ways in which a lack of affluence make it hard to act effectively in the first place. We ignore the many ways in which worth has nothing to do with the ability to get paid.
Confidence is a spell we can cast upon each other. It's a kind of everyday magic each of us has the power to put into the world. When we praise what's good, and appreciate each other's skills and actions, we help each other build confidence. Confident people are more able to act. In valuing each other, we can help make sure there is more in the world of the things we value. Praise and appreciation keeps people going when all else fails. This is very true of creative people. It's often true of people who are studying, starting small business, raising children, providing care to others, volunteering, involved in activism…
There are so many vital human activities that we don't reward economically. However, there are many ways of expressing value. When we do that, we're making a difference. Little, everyday spells can look like saying 'well done' or 'thank you.' It doesn't have to be dramatic to have an impact.
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