We all have insecurities, whether we give into them or not significantly contributes to our story. How we deal with the negative voices that try to get us to second-guess ourselves makes the difference between those conquering versus dropping out of a race. This applies to any competition in career, life or with oneself. I would bet people reading this article have had their confidence shaken. Has your self-assurance taken a hit recently?
My life has been a series of lessons. Each chapter presenting challenges to overcome. Insecurities along with a need for approval has been the culprit of many setbacks. Some of which have held me back for decades, keeping me from achieving personal greatness.
Everyone has the potential to be better. Women are born with a fire that can only be extinguished if we allow it. Even when the flame is dimmed or turned off, we rise. I am becoming the woman envisioned with the wingspan of an albatross but its constant effort.
Life’s obstacles will take you through a series of events that can break your spirit. There are people who exist only to bring you down. Situations will arise to test your character. Days will come when you question it all, mostly yourself. You cannot let skepticism win. If you don’t believe in yourself then how do you expect others to?
It has taken time to understand the importance in trusting myself. I’ve spent a good part of my life setting low expectations because I was not convinced to be deserving of more. Surrounding myself with the right people, practicing self-confidence and daring to ask more of not just me but others, too has transformed my life.
Starting Awakened-Woman has forced me to find the courage to share my truth and own it. It inspires others but at the same time, it empowers me to be authentic. When the writing began over a year ago, I had dozens of submissions out to magazines, literary journals and writing competitions. Rejection after rejection came back from editors stating the material was not the right fit for what they were looking for at the time. My voice had a hard time finding a home. But AW opened the doors to a world of new readers. Connecting to women everywhere gave me renewed strength to put my work back on display. Gradually, gaining confidence in my writing changed the game. The pursuit to achieve set goals has been relentless. Subsequently, there have been articles published in digital magazines, at a women’s art exhibit, as guest writer for other blogs and podcast. Now, a book in production with an independent publisher.
My ego and I fought for a brief period. The uncertainty fed fears turning confidence to hesitation. I could not stop questioning my abilities – am I good enough? Will anyone like my writing? My friends and family like it, so it cannot be too bad, can it? In good conscience, I could not give up. Something in my gut told me the writing would help others, as well as myself. Being human, there are still days I battle the insecurities that linger.
During moments of anxiety, I push back hard. The mindset is write, write, write – if my words make one life better than I’ve made a difference, offering hope to women who had none yesterday.
No matter how beautiful, intelligent, athletic or great we are at anything at the end of the day we’re human too. Confidence tested is a reminder that any success requires reinforcement. It calls for you to make the choice every single day to show up with your best. So, if your confidence falters seek inner strength. Assertiveness is about faith, trust and conviction in yourself. The only person that can stand in the way of what you want most – is you.
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