C-O-N-F-I-D-ENCE

A favorite movie of mine is Clambake, starring Elvis!  If you have ever seen the movie, you would know the scene in the movie where Elvis, his best buddy and those adorable children are playing in the park.  I recently watched it again (well maybe three times) and the song from that scene got stuck in my head.   Of course, I just had to purchase it on itunes!   I believe a little boost in your self Confidence can get you a long way.  

C- Is for all those "Crazy Cows" I have had to keep from running away.  (Did I mention I have done more running than Standing my Ground?)  As I get older and stronger, I am running a little less.

O- Is for all the ''Opportuntities'' my Livestock Projects have given me.  Like becoming a Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador.  It has truly made me grow as a person, making me grateful for the life I have.  Being raised on a farm is a true blessing.

N- Is for those "Nail Biting Moments" in my life.  Like Being so nervous before a 10 minute speech, that you have to give to a group of people or your sibling is going into the show ring and you just feel like throwing up, because you are so anxious about what could happen in the ring.  After all, they are holding a thousand pound or more steer in their hands.

F- Is for the "Farm" I have been blessed to live on.  That I am ashamed to say until recently, I have taken for granted.

I- Is for the ''Independence'' my livestock projects have provided.  I have learned the hard way; daddy can't always be there.  From feeding the cows, shooting a rattle snake, or treating a sick animal you have to learn to do it on your own. 

D- Is for the "Disasters" that happen in and out of the show ring that make you stronger.  You must learn to take the good with the bad, learn from the situation and move forward. 

ENCE- stands for Patience, which I continue to struggle with.  I can say I am improving, it is just so hard when you have so much to do around here and my siblings don't want to do it my way!

In the beginning of Summer 2012 I set some personal goals.  I can gladly say I have achieved most of them.   My number 1 goal of the summer was to go to State Round-up and walk the stage for 2 of the 3 Competitions I competed in.   I did!  Every evening, I put on glitter spray.  I can PROUDLY say I sparkled on stage for placing 3rd place in the Fashion Show and 3rd place with my Educational Presentation!

My second goal was to get out of my shell and make new friends.  This is one goal I am still working on, but I can say I have somewhat gotten rid of my shell.  I still get nervous and often try to be invisible but I am striving to be a more outgoing person.

My final goal was to get out of the state of Texas.  (I am terrified by the outside world) Just kidding!  To accomplish this goal I attended a camp in New Mexico.  My favorite parts were being with my friends and seeing the beautiful sunrises.  I guess you can say the trip was a success, but I can definitely say if it wasn't for Mandy and Andy I would have totally had a mental break down on the ropes course!  I am totally terrified of heights.  I can't wait for next year, but I have a feeling I will only do the bottom part of ropes course again.  Conquering the whole ropes course will be on my goals list for 2013!!!  We shall see!

With a C-O-N-F-I-D-ENCE put'em all together and what to you got Confidence!  You'll be surprised what you can do if you only try!  Life is full of ways to build your Confidence and I hope you have noticed mine has soared in the past few months thanks to my projects and experiences through 4-H!

Life Lessons I have learned:

Saying No to a challenge, Gets you nowhere.  Always be open to Challenging yourself.
Encouragement!  It gets you through life and death situations.
Push yourself!
There's no job too immense when you've got CONFIDENCE!