Arrogance vs. Confidence

At the last writers conference I had the opportunity to pitch my book to an agent. I was nervous like I though I would be, only sweaty and out of breath.
(Gross, right? Learn from me and be prepared!)
I ran back to my room and grabbed my first chapter just in case I had time to read her a portion to give a feel for my "voice."
I gave her my pitch, she wrote something down and told me she liked alien stories and wanted to see more of my story.
Very cool!
I told a few friends, called my husband (who chewed me out because I didn't call him right away) and began to think of a few changes I could make to tighten the story.
The week following said conference I've gone about my writing in a totally different way.
I feel different.
I feel good.
Really good.
Somehow, my few minutes of time with the agent gave me a boost in confidence. I think I'll call it validation. Yes, validation. Which leads to self-respect and self-respect.
Then I wondered if I was being arrogant.

So, of course I had to look up the two words:

Confidence= belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance
Arrogance= offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.

Ah. Confidence, not arrogance. 
I think confidence sometimes comes across as arrogance. Or do we just perceive it that way? Why is that?
Be confident in your work because you are your works best advocate. 
Go forth in the world and be bold.
It's not arrogance driving us, it's confidence.


What about you? How do you feel after your last writers conference? Or how do you boost your confidence??


Here are a few quotes for you as well:

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.  ~Eleanor Roosevelt
It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.  ~Sally Field
It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.  ~Author Unknown
 


HAVE A GREAT WEEK!