Conjuring Colossal Confidence
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Conjuring Colossal Confidence

How my self-esteem sky-rocketed after I started following these simple steps

41
Conjuring Colossal Confidence

Confidence is a hard thing to manifest especially after years of indulging in self-deprecating humor as seen on TV and in movies. However, after years of using demeaning humor to seemingly help my confidence or at least get the negative thoughts out of my head it became clear that the humor I learned online and in the media only made me feel worse about myself. Bad thoughts about how I looked, behaved, dressed, or even laughed flowed not only through my mind, but were now voiced. This became a form of emotional self-harm because it was not just the bad voice in my head telling me I am not good enough, but by my own voice.I quickly became my own worse enemy as my negative voice quickly morphed into my own, making the words cut even deeper than before.

As I got older I involved myself in more positive forums and away from the shows that supported self-deprecating energy. Seeing other people treat themselves kindly and with respect had a huge influence on me. It wasn't until years later that I realized the significant change surrounding myself with positivity had on my confidence and even my anxiety. I became more forgiving when I made a mistake, was able to hang out with my friends more, and even talk to new people without the crippling feeling of an oncoming anxiety attack.

The process of feeling okay about myself took about five years and is still occurring to be quite frank. It started with learning how to manage my anxiety in a healthy way. This meant coping by talking to people when I feel anxious, creating signals between friends so they can help me, and learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

After learning how to tame my biggest inhibitor, I was in turn able to tackle the way in which I had been treating myself. It was not how I would treat a friend, a stranger, or even a foe. In fact, the way I took care of myself was simply appalling. I was never nice even after accomplishing something and could barely look in the mirror and point out one positive attribute. A friend of mine said she looked in the mirror and thought of five positive things everyday, like, "I really like my eyes", "I worked really hard yesterday and am proud of myself", or "I am a good friend". The things said could be body-centric, focused on accomplishments, or on personality traits. As ridiculous as it sound to do this, I would stand in front of the mirror and say jut one thing that was kind to myself. I now can stand in front of a mirror and gush about myself. I have my bad days, and my worse days, but I finally am able to feel comfortable in my skin because I have accepted my body, learned how to handle my anxiety in a healthy way, and learned how to speak to myself in a kind and empowering manner.

Everyone conjures their inner confidence differently, because various things can help. The most important thing for me was to learn how to speak to myself and how those words impacted my anxiety and my self-perception. This also allowed me to better recognize positive and negative influences in my life. Finally it lead to me being able to be comfortable enough to pursue interests (like clubs, sports, or other activities) alone and to be able to meet new people there! When you no longer view yourself as the enemy, it becomes much easier to accept yourself and grow in confidence!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Boyfriend's Christmas Wishlist: 23 Best Gift Ideas for Her

Here are the gifts I would like to ask my boyfriend for to make this season unforgettable.

81611
Young woman opening a Christmas gift

Recently, an article on Total Sorority Move called 23 Things My Boyfriend Better Not Get Me For Christmas, was going around on social media. I hope the author of this was kidding or using digital sarcasm, but I am still repulsed and shocked by the lack of appreciation throughout this article. I would like to represent the girlfriends out there who disagree with her standpoint -- the girlfriends who would be more than happy to receive any of these gifts from their boyfriends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Two teenage girls smiling

The 2000s were a time that many young adults today can look back on, joyfully reminisce and somewhat cringe at the trends and the fads that we all used to love and adore. Here's a list of things from the golden 2000s that will have one feeling nostalgic about all of those times.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

7096
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
woman in white tank top and orange jacket holding a bible
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Life is hard. There is no surprise there. It’s confusing and scary and hectic, but there are some amazing qualities, too. Sometimes you feel alone and don’t know what to do. School gets in the way of what you want to do or you’re dropping friends you thought you trusted. Everyone has their moments. Everyone has felt in the lowest place and couldn’t find the strength to get back up. But I want to help with that. Here are 10 Bible verses I hope will brighten your day, or at least make you feel stronger and happier.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Pros And Cons Of Autumn

Navigating the Season's Upsides and Downsides

24165
concrete road among autumn forest with bright orange leaves

Personally, Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. The air is crisp but not too cold, there is so much to do, and you're not collapsing from the heat. I asked some friends and family what their favorite and least favorite parts of Fall. Below is the list I put together:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments