A rush of anticipation spirals from the head down to your toes. An altered routine, moving to a different state, establishing a new career, budding a healthy habit, delivering introductions to first-time acquaintances, changing your appearance, crushing that latest goal…The list continues, but all of these new experiences have a factor in common to be ambitious and thriving – confidence. If self-confidence is developed, unpredicted chaos becomes more easily navigable. Life has its way of being unforeseen at times. It is a process – take it in stride and bravely tackle every good and not-so-good obstacle. Believe in yourself and the abilities you can so diligently master, for that’s the key to triumphing over new beginnings with grace. Confidence by my definition is determined by three factors:
BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN. When you look in the mirror are you proud of the beautiful person staring back at you? Not just looks, but the thoughts that make up your character, heart and soul? I have learned to not let anyone determine my own identity. When you know who you are, it sets you free from the fear of criticism and disapproval. Wake up with the personal drive to grow into the person you strive to become — free from distractions. Block out that critique saying you are not going to achieve that dream because you simply are always enough. There is only one of you. While you have this life, dedicate your time to express the splendor that has been given to you. Your confidence and uniqueness is your gift to the world. You cannot seek it in the world. No one can give it to you. It comes from within, and you must embrace it. Feel that positivity from within and spread it around like confetti. FOCUS ON THE ONLY OPINION THAT MATTERS - YOUR OWN. Know what you believe in and stand strong with your values. I once read that “if you don’t stand for something then you’ll fall for everything,” and it is true. Cut out negativity and toxicity feeding the unhealthy distractions in your life. Don’t worry about other people nor their opinions. Pessimism coming from other people is more of a reflection of what is inside their heart, not of you. Like-minded people will gravitate towards you. Together, you will build each other up like a sunflower standing tall and facing the sunlight. Focus on who you are, what you do, and the blessings you are given. What matters is how people make you feel and how you make them feel in return. Not everyone will have the same heart as you. You will never be able to control actions or words that come from another, but you can control how you choose to respond. Rise above the mundane, for it builds character. Trust your gut, follow your heart, but listen to your head. HAVE COURAGE. Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage. I chose to jump out of an airplane 13,500ft in the air as my 21stbirthday gift - needless to say I was feeling fairly vulnerable in that moment. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, because it taught me a valuable life lesson: that a life worth living is on the other side of fear if only we have the courage to pursue it. All it takes is a pinch of courage and a ton of practice. We can’t see the depth of our character until we experience trials under pressure. FINAL THOUGHTS – Like most self-improvement virtues, it takes time to develop strong mentality to take on new beginnings with conviction. I think everyone deserves to look themselves in the mirror and be proud of the person in their reflection. It’s an ongoing process, but I’ve worked hard to get to that point, and I encourage you to put forth a similar effort. Wave goodbye to old habits attached to memorable places and relationships you’ll cherish close to your heart. It’s time to focus on what is right in front of you and to make the best out of it. Learn to enjoy life in the middle of its imperfections. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect to enjoy the moment, you just have to be willing to change a negative perspective into a positive one with that new-found confidence in yourself. Start your new beginnings this year with confidence and Mere Simplicity, my friend. Comments are closed.
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Hi, I'm MeredithHey you! Welcome to my personal blog. Combining life lessons and bits of wisdom gained through my experiences. Feel free to leave comments & share the posts. Categories
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