https://padlet.com/mmcnaughton22/vh9jcml3bkjs Before reading, learn to love yourself... en-us 2017-09-26 13:50:11 UTC 2017-10-03 21:49:40 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Hearts.png mmcnaughton22 https://padlet.com/mmcnaughton22/vh9jcml3bkjs/wish/191249883 To me, confidence is self-love and, even though this will sound completely stereotypical, the ability to be yourself. Confidence will not only change who you are, but the way you think. Confidence is basically a question... Do you love yourself?
 When I was really little, around first and second grade at my old school, I was bullied a lot. According to my mom, I cried every night, or something like that. I was the quiet girl who sat in the corner and read Junie B. Jones. My best friend at the time, let's call her "Kara", and I were pushed around a lot and while I took it, "Kara" and her mom contemplated leaving. I don't blame her though, this girl was mean. She would tell our teacher about things we wouldn't do. She came up with names to call us, and for a first/second grader, her words hurt. Later on, I learned she had struggled with anxiety, OCD, and self confidence. My friend almost left, but by the time third grade came around, the mean girl was onto a new person. "Kara" switched to a new friend group and I switched to the "popular, but really sweet" girls (a rare and valuable find). 
Starting in fourth grade, I told myself that there was no way I would let myself become like the old me. I became this really loud, funny, and daring person that is loyal and confident. I mean, what's wrong with that? But, there was a flaw in my plan. In order to be friends with the popular crowd, I was now classified as a follower. So that's how I went about life, until this summer. This summer, I went to my usual sleepaway camp. My cabin, Cabin 10, was amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls. But one thing happened that week... I wasn't the follower, I was a "leader." My cabinmates thought I was funny and they thought I was really cool. I didn't have to follow anyone around because my cabin was extremely close and we went everywhere together. Later that summer, I returned to that same cabin. Different people, but brand new friends. And, there was this one boy. "Oh no," you're thinking "Here it comes." But don't worry, our relationship was strictly professional. Anyway, this boy reminded me of me. He made me laugh and he laughed almost obnoxiously loud at me. That week was literally a life changer. My confidence in myself boosted and it made me the person I am today. That summer taught me some very valuable lessons. Feeling stressed and upset? Keep your chin up, look someone in the eye and smile. In the words of Coco Chanel, "Keep your head, heels, and standards high."
So many things can change your outlook on life. My confidence was a big issue, but look at me now. No one can touch me. Why? I won't let them.
Yours truly, Quinn]]> 2017-09-26 13:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/mmcnaughton22/vh9jcml3bkjs/wish/191249883