Confidence: THE MOST ATTRACTIVE TRAIT ANY WOMAN CAN HAVE

WORDS : ANGEL EVENSON PHOTOGRAPHY : ASHLEY OBERHOLTZER PHOTOGRAPHY

The pointed end of the drumstick stared at her as her green eyes found their way to meet his. His voice bellowed through the room like the bass drum near the exit requesting that she play her trumpet solo to prove she knew the notes. She nervously picked up the instrument, licked her lips and began to play. Everyone sat silently and stared as she stumbled through the notes.

“Did you even practice?” He huffed in mockery form.

Self-confidence can easily be diminished at an early age. Simple phrases that are said to you as a child can be carried with you throughout your life, thus becoming the critical phrases you start saying to yourself.

Do you see yourself struggling to find the confidence you need to excel?

Confidence, or lack thereof, is a common feeling women wrestle with. We are expected to be confident, yet no one has taught us how or given us a reason to feel that way. We are left to figure it out on our own or be inspired by women who have embraced confidence because of the struggles that have built it up within them.

There have been many times in my life that I have felt extremely confident and other times where I have really struggled. Situations and circumstances change but that does not mean your confidence needs to ebb and flow with them.

After I lost my job in 2013 my confidence was at an all-time low. My career had been taken away from me and I felt like a complete failure. Subconsciously, I knew my worth wasn’t tied to my title, but I still felt like I needed a career to have confidence. At that point I started learning how to focus on other things in order to build my confidence back up.

How can you boost your confidence right now?

EXERCISE.

When I start mentally spinning, I exercise. Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins send positive waves throughout your body. You will naturally feel more confident once you exercise.

DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

Lacking in self-confidence can quickly be stopped by genuinely doing something for someone else and not expecting anything in return.

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN HEAD.

Overthinking never helped anyone, so let that stuff go, honey! If you are fearful of judgment, let that fear motivate you to follow what brings you joy.

GRATITUDE.

Each day find one thing about yourself that you are extremely grateful for. Write it on a Post-It note and stick it on your mirror. You will be surprised how quickly your confidence is boosted when you start focusing on how amazing you truly are.