One of my favorite things to do is go for long walks. There is something calming and peaceful about being in the outdoors, experiencing the beauty around, while moving my body i.e. exercising. When we first moved into our neighborhood, I was hesitant to go out for walks alone. I wasn’t familiar with the area, so I was not comfortable going out on my own. Over several weeks, Tex and I took many walks together, and through that process I became more familiar with the neighborhood. As I got more familiar, I became more confident. I still prefer Tex’s company, but I have no reluctance taking off for a solo trek. I just got back from a brisk and refreshing 2.5 mile walk through the neighborhood by myself.

I have come to realize that the idea that familiarity increases confidence is true in many aspects of life. When I started my new job, I was very nervous before my first financial presentation to the board. While I had done many board presentations before, I did not know this board and I was uncomfortable. After a couple years of presenting to the board, I have become more confident. I am familiar with the board members, I am comfortable with the information I am presenting, and that has contributed to me being more assured stepping into the board room. Familiarly increased my confidence.

When I became a mom, I was so nervous. I wanted desperately to be a good mom, but I had never been a mom before, and I was unsure of myself. I read every baby book I could get my hands on, and tried to do everything by the book: no warming a bottle in the microwave, no solid foods before a certain age, no sleeping on the belly, no putting the baby to crawl on the floor without putting a clean blanket down for her to crawl on, no touching the baby unless you have washed your hands while singing happy birthday at least twice, and the list goes on. I was anxious about keeping the baby safe and alive. I was cautious and nervous because I was new at it. Once I became familiar with parenting, I become more confident in my maternal skills and instincts. By the time our third child came along, let’s just say I didn’t need any books and the list of “do nots” became a whole lot shorter.

Early on in my faith walk, I was very timid in my prayers. I was unsure. There was so much I didn’t understand about God. How do you talk with the Creator of the universe? After decades of walking with the Ancient of Days, developing a relationship and understanding His love, I now “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God”…finding mercy and grace to help me when I need it most (Hebrews 4: 16). I now pray bold prayers, and I am confident that He hears and answers.

During this season of “Stay at Home Orders” and “Social Distancing”, many of us have been thrown into uncomfortable, unfamiliar territory. A few of my colleagues have shared how challenging it is for them to work from home, because they are not used to it and not comfortable doing it. Others are struggling with homeschooling their children who are now online learners. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, and this leaves us feeling unsure in many ways. I am hopeful though. Over time as we get more familiar with the “new normal” forced upon us, we will become more confident and self-assured. It takes time. Don’t give up. The more we do “that thing” that has us feeling unmoored, the more confident we will become. Before this crisis is over, we will be cruising through, maybe even enjoying, the experience and our newfound confidence.

A few weeks ago, we got a new puppy. This is the new frontier that I am currently navigating. We have never had a dog before. It feels like becoming a new mom; but it’s different. I feel very unprepared and unsure. I want to raise a well-adjusted, happy and obedient dog. I am learning about this new creature and getting familiar with the new rhythms of life having her in the house. I am looking forward to getting to the point of being confident in my puppy parenting skills. I must remember that familiarity builds confidence. In time, I’ll get there.