Self-judgment is a difficult thing to overcome.  It affects some of us more than others and can have debilitating repercussions on those that dwell on it.  Some of us are so afraid of what others may think and how they may judge us that we find it hard to express our opinions or to have a serious discussion as it might evolve into something we’re not prepared for. 

I don’t think that it would make much difference for me to remember that my ancestors were “powerful thinkers” as a way to tap into my inner confidence.  There are moments when I have confidence and moments when I don’t.  I think for me it’s who I’m with and what I’m talking about that allows me to feel confident and comfortable enough to vocalize my opinion.

It’s interesting to me that I can hear people with very different opinions on serious matters and it won’t affect me, but you get someone I care about talking about something that’s in complete opposition to my opinion and I get heated; emotional, to the point that I can’t continue the conversation.  I guess I feel if I care about a person so deeply, their opinions shouldn’t be in so opposite to mine, otherwise maybe there’s something missing in our relationship.  I have this debate with my immediate family a lot.  I can’t talk to them about politics for example because we’re just not on the same page and it’s hard for me not to get emotional.