If you look at a young child, you can tell that they have confidence in who they are. But as time goes on, we begin to lose that confidence. We start to allow ourselves and others to tear us down. As someone who has always had a lack of self confidence, I can tell you it's not easy to build your self-confidence back up, and it's near impossible to keep it up. It always appears as though we have a bunch of things pushing against us, but in the end it is ourselves who are our own stumbling blocks.
In my experience, I've found a few things that have helped me to regain, and maintain my confidence.
One of the things that I have always used against myself is my height. My height is fine, and honestly I don't mind it, but sometimes when someone else brings it up, I can't help but feel odd. I know people who are taller than me, I know people who are shorter that me, and I know people around the same height (like the giraffe I met at the zoo the other day). Height is different for everyone. Height is something that some are blessed with, and others are blessed without, and that is okay. Once I realized this I learned that it's okay to be little old 6 foot something me!!! Sometimes it just takes a little bit to remind ourselves, I am good enough.
I know lots of people who are labeled as "vain". I know many of people who deserve that title, but I'm talking about the people that are viewed in that way because they "invest too much of their time on their looks". When I hear this my blood boils! When somebody takes the time to improv themselves, it's okay, in many cases it's even beneficial. When we step back, and decide who we want to be, and then go out and become that person it's the best thing we can do! When someone does their makeup, dyes their hair, or even just styles that hair, they are making a good investment. After they do all that they feel beautiful. When someone goes out and buys a new wardrobe, and take time to develop their own personal style, they feel comfortable in who they are, and that's great! Sometimes it does us good to remind ourselves that we are worth it!!!
It may be hard, it may take awhile, but to be confident in who we are is the best feeling out there. And it helps us to be better. So yes I'm going to continue to be outspoken, I'm going to wear my sweaters and scarves, I may even go back to blonde, because I am enough and I recognize that. I'll still have my moments of doubt, but I know that I can make it through. I am certain of who I am, I walk around with a glow of happiness, I am the Donovan Bird, a son of a holy being. Now the question is who are you?
