I have some brand collaborations on the horizon {you will want to shop these, I promise!} and it has me thinking that I need to share something with ya’ll first. I want to preface it by saying, it’s so easy for any of us to think we know someone by how they appear to be from the outside, or by how they interact with others, or even how they portray themselves through posts on social media. While I truly try to be as genuine as possible through my social media platforms as well as all of my writing, it still doesn’t mean there aren’t things about myself that may be different than they seem to appear, or things that I may choose to keep private. I think most who know me would assume I am an outgoing person, and while I am in some sense of the word, I personally find myself to be quite quiet and private when it comes to personal matters. Alas, a major vulnerable confession: I live with a significant lack of confidence.
This lack of confidence is in my self-image. It’s not comfortable for me to showcase myself, to look at pictures of myself or even prep some of these upcoming style posts in fear of seeming too vain or self-absorbed or entering ultra-critical mode. But now, I work to quickly remind myself that I am being called to be here. To write. To inspire. To lead by example. To be part of something bigger than I could imagine. To live with a wild-heart. Which brings me to my next confession: I am {and have been} actively working on improving my self-acceptance, self-worth and confidence level. I have two daughters whom I desperately love and adore. Two daughters who are simply amazing, beautiful and perfect in my eyes. If they ever came to me and thought any differently, I would surely remind them that God made each of us exactly they way we are supposed to be. We are to love others, and ourselves. We live in a critical, judgmental world and I am on a quest to overcome those life challenges as well as to turn all outside- and {my own} self- criticisms into strengths. I am doing so for myself and for my daughters. And to overthrow those judges and critics out there.
I’m not sharing this for any sort of pity, for special treatment when I see those of you whom I know personally, or for any of you to view me differently. I just know that it’s something I feel compelled to disclose. Surely we all have days that we feel better about ourselves than others, and maybe my case is just an extreme.
I guess my takeaway here is that while I have been working on my upcoming style posts and how to wear my lack of confidence, I’ve found the best answer I could have possibly asked for: grace. The dictionary defines grace as an attractively polite manner of behaving, simple elegance and courteous goodwill. Though the clothing cannot necessary scream those descriptions, the person wearing them can. I’ve found that beauty radiates from so deep within my soul when I exemplify grace. I don’t have a critical thought in my mind when I am acting in love and portraying the gracious woman I want to be and live in practice — for myself, my daughters, my husband, my family and others. With grace, my smile is bigger and my heart is proudly displayed on my sleeve.
Image cred: happy hands.org
So, while I highly encourage you to shop my upcoming style posts, I also urge you to love yourself in the process. {Or at least try.} Whether you are a confident person or lack some of that trait {like me}, I know we will all shine on with the great accessory of grace.
If you are feeling ever so graceful, please share this with all those who may need to hear it.
❤️
Truly beautiful words, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for opening up in this post! I struggle with a similar lack of confidence in many areas but particularly in my physical appearance – It’s very hard for me to look at myself in pictures or video. It’s refreshing to hear honest words from someone who feels the same way! For what it’s worth, I think you’re a beautiful person inside and out.
Such a good post! Thanks for sharing!