At some point in life, a woman has to step into the fullness of her confidence.  I realized this at an early age and somewhere along the way, lost site of that bold confidence that took me through my youth. 

I traveled freely as a young woman.  There was little that could stop me.  A Peace Corps Volunteer, I traveled the African Nation of my assignment with gusto experiencing all of the new sites, sounds, tastes, and smells that location had to offer.  I learned French in order to be a part of the people where needed.  English, fortunately, was the major language in my location.

I even rode a motorcycle; a Suzuki road bike.  It took me over rough terrain but faced every obstacles I gave it.  I ate foods that make people shudder when I mention them, like elephant and monkey. But that was a part of the life there, a part of the adventure of learning how other people survive.

Where is that confidence that let me be so bold?  Somehow it got taken away by the burdens of new responsiblities.  Of seeing my parents die, or having to face money issues, of facing the truth of our limited life spans. 

But these are reasons to be even more brave.  Women in business, women in the middle of parents and children, women doing incredible things you’d never imagine when young.  These are reasons to start living with gusto, pushing past fears and doing what is known to be a life purpose.  This is the time for Confidence.  This is the years of living Confidently.