How many of us can stand in front of a mirror and say something positive? I dare you to go do it right now. Now do it again tomorrow and the next day after that. But the rule is you can't say the same thing twice. Do it every day for the rest of your life because honestly feeling confident and positive, and being comfortable in your own skin is a feeling we should all cherish, yet many of us find terribly hard.
You may hear people say "never compare yourself with others". Although it sounds simple and straightforward but its totally not! We do it without even realizing, we see a stranger walk past us and think "I love her hair, I wish mine was like that" or we go out with friends and feel the need to 'look as good' as each other, as though were being compared not only by ourselves but by others. You are unique. It may sound cliche but its not. There is only one of you and there will only ever be one of you. We are all so different so how is it fair to compare ourselves to others.
I'm also not going to pretend that I don't struggle with feeling insecure and unconfident, because I do. But slowly I'm coming to grips with myself both physically and mentally. I go to the gym 3-4 times a week, I do not workout because I hate my body. I workout and thrive to live a healthy life style because it makes me love my body, it physically make me feel so much happier to set goals and see the progression I have made through my fitness. This is my way of dealing with the insecure feelings, if I'm not having a good day I'll go for a walk or run because it clears my mind. Personally it works great for me but maybe not for you, find your own way to get rid off negative thoughts whether it be; music, art, photography, swimming, dancing, watching a movie, spending 5 minutes in fresh air. Whatever does it for you, even if its wacky as, go for it. And be happy, not for anyone else, but for yourself.
Compliments. When you receive a compliment you feel absolutely incredible, as though all self-doubt just melts away. The only thing better then receiving a compliment is giving, making someone feel like their on top of the world, even if only for a second. So next time you friend looks good, tell them or be more courageous and give a complete stranger a compliment. The happiness you receive from making other people happy is extraordinary.
Vanessa xx
