Humility, Confidence and Forgiveness

What does it mean to be humble? What does it mean to be confident? They seem opposites. But are they. There are people who seem to know everything that they want; they seem completely sure of themselves. Are they confident? There are people who believe themselves to be less then the dust on the earth, who do not see themselves as worthy of even the most modest praise? Is this humility?
We have to let go of these backward ideas about our self image. Confidence and humility are co-dependant on each other, they need each other. Ultimately, confidence has reached its greatest power when the individual is free to critically assess ones life, reconizing his flaws and mistakes, without falling into despair. Can you be so humble to realize that you may not realize how wonderful you are? Can you have enough confidence to reconize those wrongs you have done?
Look into that mirror, see yourself for what you are, flawed and beautiful. It does not mean you don't try to improve yourself, its not simply an 'acceptance'; it is a true and honest awareness. And when you finally reach that point, you can honestly seek forgiveness from those that you hurt. At that point, you shall realize the truth; you seek the forgiveness not simply to help your own soul, but their soul as well; as much as we need to seek forgiveness, sometimes we also need to get it, to close the door on our pain. And while your at that, when was the last time you forgave yourself. I'm not being silly, its something we all need to do; we hurt ourselves at least as much as we hurt each other. Look into that mirror, and seek your own forgiveness. Go to your priest, your friends, your family, ask them for a little forgiveness. It will set you free.