The Suede Jacket
Written by: Gina Redzanic, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
This is a story about confidence. We are born confident, full of purpose and light, yet our confidence is challenged as we go through life. It could be that a parent or sibling negatively affected your confidence. Or maybe your family was amazing at feeding your self-worth, but others saw your confidence as a threat and worked to break you down.
So today, I share with you a story about a suede jacket. When I was 8, my older sister, who was 17, bought me a suede jacket for Christmas. I was beyond thrilled! When I put it on, I felt so good! I felt confident. I could not wait to wear it to school after the break. The first day back to school, I walked on the bus, head held high, feeling my absolute best. That is when an older student stuck her foot out to trip me, I looked at her, and she snarled at me and said, “You think you’re so cool!”
I was devastated! I was a child who did not want any conflict—ever! I sat in the back of the bus, so worried. Was I acting like I was too cool because I am wearing this jacket? Immediately my mood shifted. I was now scared of this bully and wondered what I did wrong. At the end of the school day, I prayed silently that the bully would leave me alone for the afternoon bus ride home. This time I cowered a little. I wasn’t standing up so tall and confident. Yet again, she stuck her foot out to trip me and said, “You think you’re so cool!”
When I walked in the door, I was in tears. My older sister asked me what was wrong. I told her I was not able to wear the suede jacket anymore and told her what had happened. “No way!” she said. “You will wear that jacket, and if she does it again, you stop, put your hands on your hips, stare at her and say, “I don’t think I am cool. I know I am!”
Oh boy! The anxiety crept in! But my sister made me practice. The next day, sure enough, the bully did the same thing! This time I stood tall, hands on my hip, stared at her, and said, “I don’t think I’m cool. I know I am!” From then on, she never bothered me, and I freely and confidently wore my suede jacket!
As an adult, I remembered this story so many times. The suede jacket represents our confidence, which we should wear proudly. However, there are people who will be uncomfortable when we exhibit confidence. We may automatically shrink down to make them comfortable, and in doing so, we shrink down our potential, purpose, and even our dreams. As a child, I was ready to give up something I loved that made me feel good simply because someone else was uncomfortable seeing me shine and seeing me happy. My sister reminded me that day to stand tall, take ownership of my happiness and let my confidence shine.
So today, I am reminding you! The suede jacket (confidence) needs to be worn in pride. You will not create big dreams, big success, and reach big goals by playing small. Your confidence and posture may be attacked by haters and naysayers. Nevertheless, shine your light, my friend! People are waiting to be inspired by your message and your confidence.
Gina Redzanic, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Gina Redzanic is a self-made network marketing millionaire, Success Coach, and John Maxwell Certified Speaker and Trainer specializing in Leadership Development. As a busy mom of 2 daughters, Gina balances motherhood and her career through many of the habits and practices she teaches her clients and team. Gina has been featured on Yahoo! Finance, named Top 10 Leadership Coaches in Influencive, and is a contributing author in the best-selling network marketing book series, Momentum Makers. Gina is God-driven and Goal-driven and uses personal development techniques to help others break down their business blocks, take control of their future, and reach success without the presence of "burnout."
