8 Ways To Remind Yourself That You Are Still Poppin'
Photo via Unsplash
By Brianna Marie
When I was 17, I met a man and spent four years on an emotional roller coaster with someone I thought I would call my husband someday (that sounds so silly now, I thought I found "the one" at 17). When things were good, they were really good. When things were bad, they were… awful. Before that relationship, my friends would have described me as bold and definitely not that girl. I was the friend who constantly preached about not changing for a man, never settling, and always maintaining self-respect. But I completely lost myself in that relationship; I became everything I never wanted to be. I wanted it to work so badly, I wanted him to be the one, I wanted to believe love was enough. But it wasn't enough and I eventually started feeling like I was not enough.
We have to start immediately removing ourselves from people and situations that do not benefit us. The moment I started feeling like I wasn't enough and questioning my worth, I should have walked away. But you win some, you learn some, right? That particular breakup taught me a lot of things, one of which was to never forget how beautiful I am. It's super important to always remember how incredible you are, both inside and out. Everyone has their insecurities; we all have areas that we think need work. But why not celebrate yourself? Why not focus on what you love about yourself instead of what someone else has convinced you to hate? Why not choose to appreciate every dimple, every inch, every piece of who you are?
Because you… YOU are a phenomenal woman.
Whether you're fresh out of a relationship or just not feeling yourself lately, here are eight simple ways to pick your confidence back up:
PAMPER YOURSELF
Treat yourself to a massage or a manicure/pedicure. If you're feeling extra bold, hit your stylist up and do something different to your hair. It doesn't have to be drastic but switching things up can make us feel like a whole new woman.
GET DRESSED UP JUST BECAUSE
Confidence is definitely something that stems from within, but there's something about slipping in a dress that fits you just right.
GO OUT WITH YOUR GIRLS
Being around your closest group of girlfriends is like an immediate confidence boost because you all uplift each other. If your group is anything like mine, it is nonstop laughter, compliments, and genuine love during these times.
WORK OUT
I know the saying is "if you look good, you feel good", but I also believe if you feel good, you look good. Working out releases endorphins which gives you a natural high. Have you ever left a workout and just felt like you could take on the world?
WEAR LINGERIE
I always tell my friends to buy lingerie for themselves. Lingerie doesn't have to be for your significant other. In fact, it’s all about you; it should make you feel sexy. Wear it whether you're single or in a relationship.
LOOK IN THE MIRROR
Don't get dressed immediately after the shower. It might sound strange but take time to really look at yourself in the mirror. Fall in love with every part of your body. It’s strong. It’s resilient. It’s beautiful, you are beautiful.
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF
You're never going to have her body. You're never going to look like her. And that's actually good news. We're all different, we all have unique features and qualities. Stop wishing to be/look like someone else and appreciate who you are!
TUNE OUT THE LITTLE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD
Highlight this one. Circle it. Draw stars around it. What we tell ourselves is so crucial. Negative self-talk can be incredibly damaging. Start paying attention to the things that little voice tells you. Are you building yourself up or picking yourself apart?
Whether you follow these tips or not, please never forget that you are worthy. You are worthy and you are enough exactly as you are!