Haloween sleepover mishap: confidence spirals and forgotten costumes
Today, my youngest child is attending a sleepover event organized by a local language school. It's an exciting opportunity for kids to enjoy games, social activities, and food while staying overnight.
As responsible parents, my wife and I made sure to prepare him thoroughly. We provided him with a mat, sleeping bag, and spare shoes, following the instructions meticulously. However, we overlooked a crucial detail mentioned at the very end of the informational email - a request for the children to dress up in Halloween costumes.
Upon arrival, we were surprised to see a gathering of mini monsters, skeletons, zombies, witches, and other spooky characters. Our son, in contrast, looked perfectly normal - or rather, exceptionally normal in this context. The realization hit us immediately, and I could sense his confidence waning in this unexpected social situation.
This incident brought to mind my experiences in professional settings, particularly regarding confidence. It's fascinating how confidence tends to spiral, creating vicious circles. When we feel uncomfortable, our environment often picks up on our lack of ease. This, in turn, can further erode our confidence, creating a downward spiral.
I've noticed similar patterns during public speaking engagements. If I sense discomfort in the audience, it affects my own confidence, potentially leading to a continuous cycle of diminishing self-assurance. It's a stark reminder that our internal state can significantly impact our external performance and how others perceive us.
In the end, what truly matters is how comfortable we feel in our own skin, rather than our outward appearance. However, explaining this concept to an 8-year-old child is challenging, especially when even adults struggle with such situations.