Bad days come, no matter how much we try to avoid them. On those days, and even on the good ones, we all need to be reminded of our worth and strength. If you need a confidence boost today, remember these things.
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A lot of focus goes into our physical appearance and trying to live up to what we think we should look like. In all of that we forget that we are truly built exactly the way we were meant to be.
Beauty is not only on the outside, but also on the inside. Anyone can be drop dead gorgeous on the outside and rotten on the inside. If you have a good heart, it will show on the outside as well as the inside.
Write encouraging reminders on your bathroom mirror. Focus on all the thing you like about yourself, both inside and out.
2. You Are Wanted
When you have people around you who would literally do anything besides spend time with you, your self-esteem takes a big hit. You have to realize that those probably aren't the people for you. There are others out there who will want you and want to spend time with you. Don't waste your energy on those who can't make room for you.
3. You Are Enough
It's easy to let your self-esteem plummet, leaving you feeling worthless. Trying to keep up with society's expectations of what you should be, is truly exhausting.
You don't have to do everything perfectly, exactly the way others expect you to. Don't feel like you have to take two AP classes or overload yourself with extra work. Only take on what you can handle, and that will be enough.
4. No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent
These powerful words of Eleanor Roosevelt ring true even today. When someone ridicules or belittle you, it hurts, it really hurts. You have the choice, however, to believe those words and let them define you, or hold your head up high and keep going.
5. You Are Smart
Being smart is so much more than a GPA. Everyone has something that they are knowledgeable in, whether that be art, writing, music, or gardening-- everybody is good at something.
Just because you aren't good at the things other people are good at, it doesn't mean that you are stupid. It means that you haven't found your "thing" yet.
If you're not sure what you're good at, make a list of everything that interests you. Then for each one write down whether you have tried it. If you haven't, find opportunities to try different activities related to your interests.
6. Today Is Your Day
In the words of Benjamin Franklin “Never put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today.” If there is something you want, don't wait around for it to fall in your lap.
Start by making a list of what you want in your life. Then for each thing, write down the steps you need to take to reach that goal. Keep adding to it each time there is another milestone to reach.
7. You Are Strong
Although you may not feel like it, you are strong. Strength doesn't mean consistently keeping it together. Strength means being able to overcome struggle and put your life back together when the storm passes.
When you start to feel like you are weak, remember, that is a lie. Tell yourself that the fact that you're even standing here means that you are not weak. The wind might blow you around a little, but it can't snap you in half.
8. Hope Defeats Fear
It is so easy to look at all the negative things that are going on in the world and feel fearful and depressed, but we can't forget that pain doesn't last forever. We should always give hope a very firm place in our hearts, because it reminds us that things will get better.
At the end of each day write three good things that happened, at the end of the week look back at what you wrote down. Take a look at all the hopeful things that happened.
9. You Choose Who You Are
People can give advice on how you should be, but in the end, who you are and who you will become is entirely up to you. You choose whether you become a good person or a bad one.
Even if you have been told your whole life how horrible you are, you can choose to pick up that mantra, or you can say “no this is who I am.”
10. Uniqueness Is Powerful
The world would be a very boring place if we were all exactly alike, yet we still push to be like the popular girl at school or some celebrity on TV. In reality, your individuality is so special, that without you in the world, so many people would miss out on what you bring to the world.
Every time you find yourself tempted to compare to yourself to someone else, say “No. I am not that person, I am me. I can't be them and they can't be me.”
11. Dreamers Are Achievers
Daydreamers are criticized for not focusing. Yet all the greats of every industry started with a dream, an idea that carried them to success. Allow yourself a little time during the day to imagine and dream.
Write down any ideas that come to mind in a special place. Build on those dreams, because they might just lead you to your future career.
12. Hard Work Gets Rewarded
Between school, extracurricular activities, and after school jobs, it always feels like we're running trying to get to something, but the finish line keeps moving. Even if you don't see it yet, all the work that you do will pay off in one way or another. So keep studying and working for your goals.
13. It's Okay To Start Over
Sometimes you start down a path and realize it's the wrong one for you, thankfully it's never too late to change. It's hard to let go and start from scratch. Remember this isn't about anyone except you. Don't feel embarrassed for doing what is best for you and your well-being.
14. Enjoy The Ride
You only get one chance to live your life. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and don't let them define you. Think of each day as a new adventure with new challenges and places to explore. Even something a simple as going to school can become special if you find something to be excited about.
15. True Love Exists
The world is full of frogs disguised as charming princes and princesses, the trick is to not lose heart. There is someone for everyone, and it might take a while to find your one true love, but he or she is out there searching for you too.
Someone who truly loves you will always be there, they will be kind, and they will put others before themselves.
Positivity can be a hard thing to come by. Sometimes we need to be the ones to say those words that put smiles on people's faces and change the course of their day. So pass on hope, and keep it going until smiles become common and broken spirits start to heal.