Hey everyone and I’m Christian Robicheau at the Sterling Creations desk and for today I am delighted to share a great editorial written by our president Donna J. Jodhan with you.
Donna has a message of how to build your confidence and we encourage you to read it.
You can let her know what you think by writing to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Happy October weekend.
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The Keys To Confidence
Confidence doesn’t arrive overnight. It is cultivated—built from the ground up, layer by layer, through experiences, self-reflection, and intentional growth. At the heart of this process lie three essential building blocks: self-belief, independence, and finally, confidence itself—each one unlocking the next.
First comes self-belief. This is the internal spark—the quiet but powerful voice that tells you: You can. Self-belief is the foundation of all achievement. It is the ability to see beyond doubt, to visualize success even when circumstances are uncertain. When you believe in your potential, you become resilient in the face of challenges and willing to take that first bold step forward.
Next comes independence. With belief in yourself, you develop the strength to listen, think critically, and act decisively. Independence isn’t about isolating yourself; it’s about owning your choices and standing tall in your values. It’s the courage to take responsibility for your actions, the discipline to keep learning, and the maturity to grow through both successes and setbacks.
Then comes confidence. Confidence is the outward expression of inner strength. It’s not arrogance, nor is it perfection. True confidence is knowing you’re capable, willing to try, unafraid to engage, communicate, and reach out. It’s what allows you to speak with conviction, connect with others meaningfully, and influence those around you—both personally and professionally.
Together, these three—self-belief, independence, and confidence—form a powerful trio. They are the keys to building an influential personal and professional profile, setting you apart in any environment. When these elements align, you are no longer waiting to be given permission—you are ready to flap your wings and soar.
So believe in yourself, take ownership of your path, and let your confidence carry you. The world needs voices like yours—grounded, genuine, and bold.
I’d like to leave you with this for your consideration.
A person stands at the center of the illustration, surrounded by a vast, shadowy environment — representing doubt, fear, and external judgment. Their posture is initially hunched, uncertain.
But their hand is outstretched, holding a large, ornate key, glowing faintly. In front of them is an old, intricate chest or door with a glowing keyhole. Etched on the chest or door are symbolic words like:
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“Self-Belief”
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“Courage”
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“Growth”
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“Voice”
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“Presence”
As the key touches the lock, light begins to pour out — illuminating not just the person, but parts of the shadowy environment too. The person’s posture straightens, their face gains clarity and strength, and their reflection on the floor shows a version of them standing tall, self-assured — possibly even wearing a crown or cape (subtle symbols of inner power).
Additional Symbolism:
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Keys floating in the background (some labeled “Experience”, “Kindness”, “Failure”, “Authenticity”) — suggesting there are many ways to unlock confidence.
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Broken chains on the ground near the character’s feet, implying they’ve shed insecurity or limiting beliefs.
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In the background, others watch from a distance — some still searching for keys, others holding theirs but unsure how to use them.
Image = A young boy is shown unlocking a glowing treasure chest with a large key, illuminating words like ‘voice’ and ‘presence’ on the chest and casting a heroic shadow of himself in a cape on the floor. Surrounding him are symbolic keys floating in the air labeled with words such as ‘self-belief’, ‘courage’, ‘growth’, ‘kindness’, and ‘failure’, while shadowy human figures fade into the background. The atmosphere is dark and misty, but the golden light from the chest highlights the boy’s determined expression, suggesting a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit www.donnajodhan.com
