Embracing Confidence with Courage. A Journey Within.

By Nicola Le Lievre

Empowerment mentor Nicola Le Lievre has spent the past decade as a multiaward-winning salon owner in therapy and studying NLP. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) harnesses the power of language to break down the mental barriers we unknowingly create for ourselves.

A qualified practitioner, Nicola, uses this technique to help others realise that the only thing holding them back is themselves.

Nicola now supports others in embracing their inner Wonder Woman by offering team empowerment sessions and speaking at events. We look forward to having her as a visitor again this year in our Beauty Squad house.

Now that 2024 is in full swing, let’s talk about the C word… Confidence.

How can we draw within and embrace what has always been, that is, until our inner voice, mean girl, itty bitty shitty committee, told us we were not good enough.

Courage involves acknowledging fears yet pushing forward despite them. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Confidence is nurtured through self-acceptance and celebrating your achievements, big or small. Confidence grows when you believe in yourself and your abilities.

If some of your previous decisions have had less than positive outcomes, you might tend to doubt yourself and worry that all your decisions are bad. Try to set this fear aside and leave the past in the past. Ask yourself instead what you learned from those decisions and how they helped you grow.

True courage isn’t the absence of fear; rather, it’s the triumph over it. To embark on a courageous journey, one must first acknowledge fears, face uncertainties, and challenge the situation we are facing. It’s about taking that leap of faith, trusting the process, and understanding that setbacks are stepping stones to success.

Courage often emerges amid adversity. It’s in those moments when doubts creep in, but you choose to persevere. It’s about silencing the inner critic and believing in your ability to navigate the storm. Every setback lies an opportunity for resilience, and courage is the key to unlocking it.

Nurturing Confidence from Within

Confidence is the silent companion of courage, walking hand in hand on the path of self-discovery. Building confidence is not about comparison with others but rather an inward journey. Start by acknowledging your strengths, appreciating your uniqueness, and understanding that flaws are facets of your beautiful mosaic.

Celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Each success is a brick in the foundation of confidence.

As you recognise your capabilities, the inner spark ignites, illuminating the way forward. Confidence grows not by avoiding challenges but by facing them head-on, armed with self-belief.

The Dance of Self-Acceptance

Courage and confidence find their roots in self-acceptance. Embrace your flaws as part of your individuality and understand that imperfections add depth to your character. The journey towards courage and confidence is not about perfection but embracing the power of being uniquely you.

Self-acceptance fosters an environment for growth. It allows you to explore uncharted territories without the weight of unrealistic expectations. Be kind to yourself, acknowledging that mistakes are lessons, not reflections of your worth.

Trusting the Journey

Courage and confidence are companions for life, guiding you through the twists and turns of your narrative. Trust the journey, even when the path seems uncertain. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your courage.

Learn to appreciate the process rather than fixating on the destination. Mistakes are not roadblocks but detours offering valuable lessons. As you navigate challenges, you discover newfound strength and resilience. The journey towards courage and confidence is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, and every step counts.

Accept the responsibility for the part you played, look for the learnings and move forward with joy.

Embrace your inner Wonder Woman

In embracing courage and confidence, you unlock the power to let your light shine. Your unique blend of strengths, experiences, and resilience creates a radiant aura that inspires others. As you cultivate these qualities within yourself, you become a beacon of empowerment, encouraging those around you to embark on their journeys of self-discovery.

Courage and confidence are not static; they evolve with each experience. Embrace the ebb and flow and recognise that vulnerability is not a weakness but a source of strength. Your journey is a testament to your courage, and your confidence reflects the battles you’ve faced and conquered.

Power of the Wonder Woman Pose

The animal kingdom is about expanding, making themselves big and stretching; this is the non-verbal expression of power dominance, feeling powerful at the moment.

Stand up straight, tilt your chin upward, and put your hands on your sides. Try doing it in front of a mirror and see how it feels. Changing your posture for two minutes raises testosterone, the dominance hormone, and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone.

Embracing courage and confidence is not a destination; it’s an ongoing expedition. It’s about finding the courage to face fears, nurturing confidence from within, dancing with self-acceptance, and trusting the journey.

As you navigate this intricate dance, remember that each step forward is a triumph, and your story is a masterpiece. May your journey be adorned with courage, confidence, and an unwavering belief in the incredible strength within you.

Put on your red lippy (AKA superhero cape), stand tall, face uncertainties, and trust the journey. Let your courage shine brightly, and remember success begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Much love & success, you got this Wonder Woman. Nic X

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