Wearing: Boohoo Body Suit in Tall, American Apparel Easy Jeans
Body confidence is something that I have, and think I always will to some extent, struggle with. But I know that I'm not alone. The sad truth is that so many of us have things that they want to change with themselves, and the image of perfection that we seek to attain, is for the most part unattainable. With both skinny and fat shaming all too common on the internet, there really are no winners in this game of hate. And whilst we may know this to be true, it often doesn't make coping with negative and destructive thoughts any easier. At the end of the day, the way we look is not what defines us, but the character within. Here are some ways the I attempt to try and improve my confidence and outlook on life:
Positive thoughts on the inside equate to those outside.
I'm definitely a glass half empty type person, but on days where I let it consume me I notice it affecting how I view myself as well. By focusing all that hate into better things, who knows what we could get done! Achievements in other parts of my life always make me feel better, the two, at least for me are inextricably linked. Whether it's a lifestyle or fitness goal, new job or any other aim, breaking it down into achievable steps that you know are manageable will help you look on the brighter side of life and make reaching those goals much more likely.
Goals.
Tied into the point above is the notion of goals. The phenomenon of #goals is a great thing, don't get me wrong, but sometimes we have to step back and see the bigger picture. A snapshot of someone else's life doesn't show you every thing and you're never going to be exactly the same. Instead, try setting yourself small goals that are personal and within your reach. And don't forget to be proud when you achieve them. At the same time, know where your boundaries lie and don't push yourself too hard. There's no point ruining your progress by triggering or injuring yourself.
Natural beauty.
Makeup is wonderful and has its time and place, but it's important to be at peace with who you are underneath as well. Wear it because it makes you happy and because it's fun, but also remember that you can be beautiful without it too. And for those days where you feel like you need a bit of a boost, there's absolutely no shame in relying on makeup to give you a bit of a crutch. Aside from that, try focusing on aspects of yourself that you like, I guarantee you have something someone else is envious of. By challenging your thoughts, you really can help build confidence up over time.
Do unto yourself as you would to others.
Looking after yourself does wonders for your self esteem. One way I try to look at it is how would I feel if I told the same things I said to myself to one of my younger sisters, or even worse, if someone else said it to them. Guaranteed I'd put an end to it pretty soon. So why do we think it's okay to treat ourselves this way? It's not, and it needs to stop. Exercise is one thing that really helps me, less for the aesthetics that come, but the pride that comes from achieving more and pushing to the limits. Taking care of your body and celebrating its beauty when you can is one of the best feelings. Try and focus on the attributes of yourself that you love and build on those rather than the destructive thoughts.
I often find writing these advice type posts more like a letter to myself than anything else, because by no stretch of the imagination am I anywhere near here myself. It's all too easy to sit here and write it out, but believing is a different matter. But I'm trying, and that's the main thing, practice what you preach and all that! What are your tips for being more confident within yourself?
