I think there comes a time in everyone’s life where they second guess themselves, question the decisions they have made, and beat themselves up about aspects of life that they can’t control. We develop these insecurities that eventually dictate how we approach situations, people, and most importantly, ourselves. The little voices in our head is what stops us from wearing that itty-bitty yellow polka dot bikini or from being spontaneous by taking a trip somewhere just because.
No one is alone when having these thoughts that stop them from taking risks, but we do have the power to change the way we see ourselves. We have the power to squash those nagging voices. Confidence is key. Throughout the years, I have learned that the one person that can make you feel joy is yourself.
Growing up, I was not the most confident girl out there. I saw myself as indifferent. When I look back, I did not realize then, how my insecurities kept me from partaking in certain activities or voicing my opinions. I allowed opportunities to slip through my fingers because I was too scared of letting myself be vulnerable.
We are constantly shown everyday in the media, movies, advertisements, and much more what a girl “should” be. I always wondered how those girls on the big screen or even my older sister took on the world without hesitation. I wanted to be that girl who commanded a room, the girl that was able to tell her crush how she felt or even throw on a sports bra, shorts and go running because that is what I wanted to do.
Once graduating high school and transitioning to college, I was about to take on a whole new meaning of responsibility for myself. I had the chance to step outside of my comfort zone and discover myself. Slowly but surely I started to take small risks, making my way up to big ones like writing for Her Campus, where my articles are open for the whole world to read. I started to see that I defined myself, not my insecurities.
I realized my insecurities were real tangible things, but that did not mean I would allow them to cloud my confidence. I could still be my best self by accepting the things that gave me anxiety and working on them. I felt myself stand straighter, walk taller, and smile bigger. You are your biggest enemy. Once you defeat them, then you can conquer the world. I mean eating a large pizza by oneself at The Levee without feeling any shame sounds pretty much like conquering the world to me! Don’t let those voices in your head, let alone the voices of others, bring you down. Just be you, own it, and good things will always follow. Be your best confident self, ladies!