MONDAY MUST: OWNING YOUR CONFIDENCE

Hi! I’m Laura, and I’m into showing up as your best and most authentic self. But, it wasn’t always easy for me to do that. It used to rub me the wrong way when people would compliment my confidence. “You’re so confident to wear that, I could never” - would make me think “wait… should I not be wearing this?”.

What I’ve come to learn is this: confidence isn’t a look. It doesn’t always come from an external source, but from your soul and what feeds it. It comes from giving yourself permission to be the person you know you are.

Here are my that tips I’ve learned along my journey, and I hope at least one sparks some confidence in you.

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

You’re not going to wake up tomorrow morning as the most confident person every day. Building confidence takes time - and the beauty of owning your confidence is the journey. Your journey may be linear, or full of ups and downs - but whatever it is, it’s important to remember to be kind and gentle to yourself. This includes (and is definitely not limited to): positive self-talk, journaling, moving your body, taking a self-care day, online shopping. Do things that fill your cup - and remember to enjoy the journey.

STOP APOLOGIZING

Sorry, not sorry. We’re conditioned to always apologize for how we act, what we wear, how we choose to carry ourselves. Let’s stop being sorry, and be sure of ourselves. Do what feels authentic to you, and forget the apology.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD VIBES

Don’t be afraid to hit that unfollow button. The content we consume can be overwhelming - and sometimes you’re the only one who has the power to change that for yourself. Just like we do a spring cleaning of our closets, do a spring clean of your social media. Out with the old (and the joy suckers) and in with new accounts, people, influencers and brands that match your energy. It makes a world of a difference.

FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT

When all else fails, sometimes we need to show up as the person we envision being and that’s totally cool. Write a list of qualities a confident person has that you admire, and then slowly start to embody them.

COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY

I’ll keep this one short and sweet because its self-explanatory, yet the hardest to quit. You’re a one of one and don’t you forget it.

Creating a space that breeds confidence was always something I had set my eyes on. I am now the co-founder of PERMISSION - an activewear destination that celebrates everyone.

Confidence is contagious, join our community - @permission.co on IG or www.ownyourpermission.com.