None of us enter the world feeling rich with empowerment or exuding self-confidence. We have to spend a fair amount of time building and investing in who it is we want to be; but, how do we get to the place of self-confidence and self-empowerment?
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]It starts with classifying ourselves as a natural beauty. Natural beauty implies that you are a woman who doesn’t have to rely on harmful chemicals to be who you are as an individual. You are a natural beauty who is proud of your natural shade of skin, protective of every natural coil of hair on your head, and confident wearing the outfit that accentuates and celebrates your personality.It is a state of mind that tells the world that you are not one who does what is told, but instead tells what is done. As result, you are the type of gal that some may not understand nor know how to engage. Your definition of what constitutes beauty may not match theirs. Sadly, history has shown that discomfort with the unfamiliar can breed ignorance and disapproval, which means you are strong willed, determined, and likely built with a skin of steel.
These are natural beauty traits you need because not every person can stand in their own light and appreciate all of their positive attributes in the way that you can. You know the type. These are the folks who like to critique your natural hair decision or comment about how much prettier you might be if you lost a few pounds. They are the ones who disapprove much too quickly and judge much too harshly. When we encounter these people, it can feel intimidating, mentally and physically exhausting, and leave us questioning whether or not we are making the right choice to love and authentically be who we were born to be.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”What is Self-Confidence” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]When you think about self-confidence, what is your vision? Do the ideas of power, self-assurance, self-reliance or belief in one’s abilities float through your mind? We often underestimate the impact that this single character trait can have on our lives. While none of us enter the world exuding self-confidence, confidence is a character trait that some of us are born with, some of us work hard to gain it and others have to grow into with age and life experiences. Without it, we struggle to succeed at the things we want to do. And we begin to question who we are and how we look.
Having self-confidence means being true to yourself – and that’s something that others cannot touch. This is not the same as arrogance or vanity. Self-confidence has everything to do with loving yourself on the inside and out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4906″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]When we have self-confidence, we do what we feel is right. We stand by our actions and belief system no matter how much others might criticize us. Naturalistas can attest to encounters with people who questioned them for daring to embrace their natural hair texture rather than weave in Asian tresses or chemically alter their hair so that they fit into the norms of society. These women choose to wear their natural hair because they are confident in who they are, and they do not allow anyone to dictate what constitutes good hair.
Women of color around the world struggle with loving their naturally dark skin, choosing to bleach their skin so that they might be more acceptable to society. Self-confidence challenges us to appreciate all that we are, including the color of our skin. There are so many shades of beauty in the world – none beautiful that the next. Having self-confidence allows us to define for ourselves what is beautiful, and not succumb to someone else’s definition.
Self-confidence gives us a unique ability to acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them rather than cover them or hide them from others. We don’t look for others to congratulate us on a job well-done, but we do not shy away from compliments either.
Failure to build self-confidence can be destructive to our inner spirit and leave us with feelings of negative energy However, with positive and productive thinking, we can empower ourselves to do just about anything we set our minds to doing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Building Your Self-Confidence” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Building self-confidence takes time. Start by planning your journey. Where are you now and where do you want to be? Take some time to celebrate all the great things you have already done in life. Next, identify everything you are good at that gives you pride. If you are not sure about what those strengths might be, think about what it is your family, friends, co-workers, teachers or others in your life have told you that you do well. Jot those down. Look at how you can use them to combat negative thoughts or naysayers.
Next, switch your brain over to positive thinking. Negative thinking is an energy buster and can kill dreams, and your belief in yourself. Start replacing defeatist sayings like “the problem is…” with motivating calls to action like “the challenge is…” Use positive thoughts and optimistic feelings and you’ll begin to embrace the best of who you are.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4907″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Finally, commit yourself to stepping over doubts, and people who contribute to causing you to question the things that make you who you are – who you were born to be. Learning to love yourself may mean having to say goodbye to negative influences, because your own self-worth is far more important than the self-destructive act of allowing toxic people to remain in your life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Empowerment” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Self-empowerment is self-love. We must give ourselves permission to be ourselves and act on our own authority when it comes to our natural beauty and self-awareness. When we personally empower ourselves to work in our own best interests, we can clearly see who we are as unique individuals, and not who others might want us to be.
Empowerment gives us the right to host our own set of core values, beliefs, and goals, and it also requires a degree of self-confidence to be successful. Empowerment challenges us to take real action in the real world, and this means not only hosting our own set of values, beliefs, and goals, but also being prepared to confidently present those in the face of criticism. Failing this, we risk falling back into the trap of conformity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Self-Confidence and Empowerment Together” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Together, self-confidence and empowerment can completely transform a woman. They are an unbreakable barrier against those who hammer at our self-esteem and self-worth. And when it come to our naturally beauty, we always have a choice. Whether it is a choice to not allow harmful chemicals on our bodies. A choice to not conform by bleaching our skin. A choice to not go against our natural instincts by straightening our hair.
They are our choices to make. Every time. All the time.
And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4909″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
