“When a woman becomes her own best friend life is easier.” –Diane Von Furstenberg
Diane brings up a valid point; when you accept yourself and can tolerate what you do you become much happier and more positive overall.
When I was younger, I had insecurity issues and I thought that compliments were the weirdest thing on this Earth. When someone told me they liked the way my hair looked or my outfit I would just say thanks and not really think a lot of it. I would tell people that I didn’t know how to take the thoughtful remarks. This happened all throughout high school and I just realized this past summer that I had absolutely no confidence. That needed to change.
Like me, you may have felt something similar to this situation. Confidence (as well as any other trait) is not something that you just have, you need to grow as a person in order to gain the knowledge you have today. When you are first starting to change your state of mind, stay positive. It might not be easy at first but challenge yourself. When you have a positive state of mind, you clear your head of crazy and irrational thoughts and feelings. Of course you can’t always stay positive but it is key to try your best.
Here are some exercises you can try these simple tasks:
1. Surround yourself with people who only want the best for you. Try not to be friends with those who find pleasure in your inconsistences.
2. Each morning when you wake up, look in the mirror and tell yourself three things you like about yourself.
3. Forgive yourself for things you have done in the past. As long as you have learned from the experience, there is no reason to dwell on it because you can’t change what you have done.
4. Try to decrease the amount of what you want instead of what you need.
5. Keeping good personal hygiene is one of the best things you can do. Shower often, brush your teeth and wear some perfume.
6. If you are spiritual or religious, set aside time to pray and/or meditate etc.
7. Get physical exercise 5 out of 7 days a week. You will feel stronger and fit at the same time. Also, it helps clear up a mental fog.
8. Reassure yourself that what you are going through will pass and tomorrow is a new day.
9. Treat yourself to something that makes you love YOU. Go get your nails done, see a movie, have some ice cream or even a stroll in the park.
10. Un-hook yourself from social media. Take a break from your phone and laptop and channel into nature or spend quality time with a family member or friend that you haven’t seen in forever.
These are just a few things you can do to make your day a little brighter.
Every single person is special and has greatness in them that they may not see right at this moment but under the right circumstances you will shine. I believe in you and you will be successful if you put your heart and mind into whatever you want to accomplish. You are enough.
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” -Buddha