The thing that makes me feel the most confident is definitely my

The words of Laurie Hernandez shine like sunlight breaking through the clouds: “The thing that makes me feel the most confident is definitely my smile. I like that my smile and my facial expressions really show what I’m feeling, and my smile is the best way to show that I’m happy.” These are not the hollow phrases of vanity, but the voice of a young champion who understands the profound power of expression. She reminds us that confidence is not only built by skill or strength, but also by the courage to let joy radiate outward in its purest form.

The smile is among the oldest and most universal languages of humanity. Long before nations had borders or tribes had written words, the smile served as the sign of peace, trust, and connection. Hernandez, a gymnast of great renown, recognizes this truth instinctively: her smile is not only the reflection of inner joy but also the instrument by which she communicates her spirit to the world. It reveals authenticity, showing that true confidence is not the absence of fear but the courage to shine despite it.

The origin of this wisdom lies in the human need for recognition and belonging. To show one’s feelings without shame is to say: I am unafraid to be known as I truly am. Many throughout history have hidden their emotions behind masks of power or veils of restraint, believing this concealment to be strength. Yet Hernandez testifies to a different truth—that openness is its own form of strength, and the smile, freely given, is the mark of one who has made peace with themselves.

Consider the story of Eleanor Roosevelt. Though shy and often self-conscious in her youth, she grew into one of the most influential women of the twentieth century. What transformed her was not only her activism but her ability to project warmth through her smile and manner. Her confidence was not born of beauty or talent alone, but of her willingness to share her feelings openly, allowing others to trust her and to feel seen. Hernandez echoes this same legacy: that a smile is not superficial, but a tool of connection and power.

It is also worth noting that Hernandez is an athlete, one who has stood under the gaze of the world in the crucible of competition. There, technical skill and discipline are essential, but so is the demeanor that carries them. A performance without joy may be perfect but will not move the heart. A routine suffused with radiance, with a smile that proclaims delight, becomes unforgettable. Thus she reveals that her smile is not only her confidence but also her artistry, the bridge between her inner world and the eyes of those who watch her.

The lesson for us, then, is both simple and profound: do not underestimate the power of your own smile. It is not vanity, but a gift—a means of showing others that joy exists, that connection is possible, that you are unafraid to share your humanity. Cultivate it as Hernandez has, not as a mask to hide sorrow, but as a beacon to reveal your true feelings. For in doing so, you will not only strengthen your own confidence, but also inspire courage and happiness in those around you.

Therefore, let each of us put this wisdom into practice. When you face doubt, remember to carry your smile as your shield. When you walk into a room, let your facial expressions reveal sincerity rather than fear. And when you succeed, let your smile proclaim your victory, not as pride alone, but as gratitude for the journey. In this way, you will live as Hernandez teaches: with confidence rooted not in perfection, but in the radiant honesty of joy.

Thus her words, though spoken simply, become a timeless teaching. The smile, born from genuine happiness, is the crown of confidence, the universal language of the heart, and the most enduring proof that to be open, to be true, and to be joyful is the highest strength of all.