The world, their oyster

Daily writing prompt
Who is the most confident person you know?

Confidence, I think, is often present in someone who’s curious and a bit fearless. I’m not sure I know or have known anyone who is always sure everything they do or try is going to come together the way they want it to. It’s more that they’re not afraid to try things, and not afraid of failure. When they set their mind to something, or when their curiosity is piqued, they go into action. They abide by a “Why not?” mantra, and little is off-limits to them.

So… three people come to mind– a sister-in-law’s husband, and an uncle of mine on my mother’s side, along with his wife– my aunt, rest her soul.

Better for Knowing Them

Daily writing prompt
Who is the most confident person you know?

I guess the relationship is brother-in-law by marriage– not sure. Anyway, this guy is willing to try just about anything. He’s a craftsman, a blacksmith, a carpenter, a surfer, a skier who uses skis he makes, a connoiseur of fine homemade spirits and good wine, beer– you name it. I’ve never met anyone quite like him. It seems there’s not much he won’t try and fewer people he won’t strike up a conversation with. I think it’s a combination of confidence and unbounded curiosity.

A close second would be an uncle on my mother’s side. He’s 91 now, slowing a bit but still active, a jack of all trades. There’s little that he hasn’t tried his hand at and not done well. He spent his life as a mechanical engineer and consultant. He loved pulling his boat and being on the water, fishing and exploring– whether fresh or salt. He and his wife– my aunt, who was a bundle of energy and endlessly curious herself– traveled to remote Alaska, among many other far-flung places, for years. They were the world travelers of the family, quite the couple. They made a good team.

Amazing people– to see such a zest for life, and blessed with a certain fearlessness.