Nurturing Confidence to Grow, Change and Trying New Things

If you’ve read some of Allison’s previous blogs, you know we’ve been talking about aging. Through our conversations, I realized that my definition of confidence has evolved. Now that I’m in my 30s, I think I have a better definition of what confidence means to me. Up until now, I was meant to believe that confidence would come in one big dose when I got skinnier, lost weight, and got “prettier”. All these external things needed to happen for me to feel confident and I always felt “behind” based on societal standards.  

What I realize now is that confidence is like a skill you have to learn to build, in your own way, and in your own time. I look at confidence like a seed that needs nurturing to grow and flourish. And it’s up to each of us to figure out what that means. The switch for me came when I started to give myself grace. Like respecting my body where it is now and practicing gratitude instead of beating myself up, wishing it to be something it’s not. 

It’s amazing how changing what that voice inside your head says, can do. Since I’ve started doing that, I feel like my confidence has flourished and given me strength. Where previously, my lack of confidence used to make me feel weak and less than. And the thing that blows my mind is I didn’t lose 20 pounds or drastically change my physical appearance to gain this. 

I’ve been appreciating my body and letting it know that I’m grateful for how far it's taken me. And because of that mindset switch, I feel different and I see myself differently when I look at myself in the mirror. It’s also allowed me space to venture out and try new things, especially when it comes to fashion. 

I definitely pigeonholed myself with the same look within the last decade - an oversized top with leggings. It’s because I kept telling myself that this was the only thing I looked decent in. But with the new mindset and encouragement of my coworkers and Allison, I’ve been trying new silhouettes. Now, one of my go-to outfits is shorter tops with wide pants, who am I? It’s as if Allison planned this new collection just to keep encouraging me to try new things, LOL! And when I see myself in these silhouettes, I feel good and more confident than the version of me that only wore oversized shirts and leggings. Because my mind isn’t constantly filled with negative self-talk, I’m able to give myself space to try new things. 

So as I give myself permission this year to continue to build my confidence and try new things, I’d like to do the same for you too. I think this is our year to flourish because if we don’t do it now, when will we ever? I’m saying this to you and to myself so that we can hold each other accountable -- Give yourself grace. Tell yourself “I love me just as I am right now” every day in the mirror. Remind yourself that you made it this far in life, which means you’re more than capable of continuing on. Life will bring you everything you need in the moment to make it to the next because it’s here to support you, always.

I hope to see you in the new year at the Showroom or virtually. And if you ever need extra encouragement to try something new, I’m here. And the team is here to help too. They’ve been one of my biggest cheerleaders and we’d love to do the same for you. 

Cheers to 2024!

Ashley