A sense of self-confidence is not something I was born with. I had a wonderful and supportive family growing up, and that certainly played a huge role in developing my sense of self as a child. However, as an adult, I really had to come into my own to feel secure in my own skin.
Feeling confident was a conscious decision and something that I learned to work at every day. We all want to feel proud of ourselves and secure in who we are, but I really believe that it takes work, and for me, faith, to get there. The turning point for me building a healthy sense of self came in my 20s once I realized that I needed to stop comparing myself to others, and own and embrace who I was. I think that Oscar Wilde put it best: “Be yourself everybody else is taken.”
Once I embraced the idea that I needed to be completely dedicated to being my own biggest cheerleader and loving all parts of myself, I started tapping into the individual gifts that God had given me. I started to value my uniqueness and abilities, and truly believe in myself! This was when I felt a new sense of self-confidence that I had never experienced before.
Now I can’t say that I feel confident all the time (nobody does!), but I do continue to learn how to build my sense of self all the time. My faith helps me a lot. Knowing that God is with me always, every step of the way — Even when I fall, sway, or have insecurities, my faith is my biggest sense of comfort and strength.
I’m also always trying to grow and improve myself, which consistently builds my confidence. I think of new things that would make me happy or proud to achieve, and I just go for them! If I want to lose weight, I do it and commit to being healthier. If I want to feel pretty, I dress up, get my nails done, and let myself feel beautiful. If I want to be a better actress, I take acting classes that challenge me. It’s like that old saying goes, nothing changes if nothing changes. I really believe that we have to keep challenging ourselves to find out what we are made of, and to feel proud of who we are.
It’s amazing how much better you can serve and love the people in your life when you have a strong sense of self. I am a much better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend because I have a clear idea of who I am, and believe in who I am. It’s like how they tell you on an airplane ‘in case of emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others’. The same principle applies to self-confidence and self-love — You have to love yourself first to be able to properly care for the people closest to you.
Because I know the value of learning to love yourself, and it has been such an important journey for me, I am very dedicated to setting a good example for my children. I know that my children will have to develop their own self-confidence, and learn how to love themselves, but I do what I can to help instill and inspire self-love in them. I watch what I say about myself around them, and I always tell them that they can do and be anything they want in life if they keep trying, learning and never give up.
I know that I’m not always going to be the perfect parent or wife, or always feel amazing about myself each day – that’s just life! We all have our moments of doubt, but I know that as long as I have my faith and a close support system around me, I will be fine. Just remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Continue to focus on your God-given gifts, and hone them, and your sense of self will continue to grow and strengthen!
How have you guys improved your sense of self-confidence? Please comment below, I would love to know!
Xx
Tamera
23 Responses
Hi Tamera
Thanks so much for those inspiring words.
I’ve always struggled with my confidence. There always seems to be someone better than me at every stage of life… I’ve never admitted it to anyone rather it’s been something I’ve had to deal with on my own. I know it hinders me from living my best life presently but I just can’t shake off the same destructive thoughts over the years.
I am a believer but the truth that God has created me fearfully and wonderfully is one that I’ve had trouble embracing in my life. Felt good putting this out there.
Thanks for the inspirational article. These a lot I’m currently dealing with. One of the major areas affected was my confidence. A certain experiences made me feel worthless. I was always made to feel that I was irritating because i am the way I am. I know I’m going to be okay. Your always an inspiration to me. Thank you. An thank you for affirming that being who you are is the best thing in the world. Thank you Tamera!!
Tamera! This post was right on time . Having Faith in God and honing your gifts go a long way. I am in my late 20s and just started owning my gifts and being content with self . I write inspirational articles using God’s word and my personal experiences to Encourage and share with others . Please check it out and share if you can livinglovingencouraging.blogspot.com. Blessings ❤️
Great post Tamera, thanks for sharing and being transparent and Real, love to listen and watch you, you are shining as an example of a woman of God
Tamera! While confidence has many aspects!! Our looks, what we are wearing, If things are going well with us, something nice is said about us or to us, etc.
While I do not discount the power of encouragement that comes from our feelings, or something nice being said to us/or about us!! But we know how
fickle feelings can be ours and others!! and how feelings can fluctuate daily,
therefore I do not put much confidence in my feelings.
But I always come back to where my ultimate confidence come from! My love,
My trust, My faith in an Unchanging God.
So!! when I am needing a boost of confidence I look to my God who gives Strength, wisdom, peace, hope, courage, comfort and many more promises
that is unchanging!! Therefore my confidence comes from “Who I am in Christ”.
Homeschooling and teaching our kiddos the same!! Love God, trust God.
Blessings……………..