Today is the weekend, and as I reflect on myself and read the weekend prompt given by 
What shocks or surprises you about yourself? Explain.
If you had asked me a few years ago if I could confidently stand in front of a group of people and conduct a demonstration in front of other instructors and our division office supervisors, I would have laughed and shook my head. Although I am accustomed to teaching pupils who are naturally at ease and charming, it used to be frightening to present and talk in front of them as an audience. I never imagined myself to be one of them. And yet, here I am, surprised even at myself that I can be confident when it matters most.
My first reaction when invited to give a presentation in front of a group was to decline. Various doubts were voiced by the voice in my head:What if I make a mistake? What if they do not understand me? What if I'm at a loss for words? Still, I decided to attend. I rehearsed till I felt ready, studied a lot, and reminded myself that people want to see my genuine effort and the message I have to offer, not perfection.
Something changed as I stood in front of the room at the allotted time. My heart hammered, but I remained calm. My hands relaxed, my words flowed, and I felt I was connecting with my audience. A different me had evolved, one capable of dealing with the circumstances.
Every subsequent experience has built on the one that preceded it. Every good demonstration has taught me that confidence is something you gain by showing up, even if it appears awkward, rather than something you have or don't. What surprises me the most is how this confidence has become an integral part of who I am. I no longer avoid discussing alternatives. There are instances when I anxiously anticipate them.
I realized that taking bold, small steps frequently helps you gain confidence. Furthermore, I've noticed that we often underestimate ourselves until life presents us with the opportunity to prove our worth. One of the most essential lessons I've learned is that sometimes, all you need to do is show up and believe in yourself; everything else will fall into place.
I Can Show Up, Even When I'm Afraid
The ability to show up is a simple form of courage that I've discovered within myself. Not only on good days when I feel strong and confident but also on bad days when I doubt myself, am afraid, and my mind is filled with uncertainty.
This was one of the most unexpected things I realized about myself. I used to think that only people who were "strong" or "confident" could overcome fear. The brave, I assumed, were fearless. But I've learned something different from life.
I've learned that bravery isn't the absence of fear — it's moving forward despite it. It's saying, I am afraid, and I will still try. I doubt my power, and I will still take one step.
There are mornings when my mind whispers, You can't do this. You're not strong enough. You're not ready. There are opportunities I almost turn down because I worry I'm not enough. And yet, somehow, something deeper within me — a quiet voice — says, show up. Just be there. That is enough.
And when I do, I surprise myself. I discover new strength not in the moments when I feel powerful but in the moments when I feel unsure and choose to act anyway.
Each time I show up, I gather small pieces of evidence that I am stronger than my doubts. Each time I walk through fear, I remind myself that courage is not a personality trait — it is a practice.
So, if you ever feel afraid or uncertain, know this: the simple act of showing up is an act of courage. You do not need to have all the answers. You do not need to feel completely ready. You need to take one step forward.
That is what I keep learning. That is what surprises me about myself.
It may surprise you about yourself, too.