Confidence for women as we age.
Confidence; self-esteem; aging; women's health; mental health; feeling good
This summer I am turning 47. I still remember the year I turned 30 and I thought I was so old!!! I remember not embracing heading into my 30's. Now, at getting closer to my 50's, I realize how silly I was way back then, because these past 17 years have been the best years of my life.
However, not all women feel that way. I know, as we age, it becomes easier to lose confidence in ourselves. Perhaps physical changes have brought your self-esteem down (thank-you hormones, or having babies, or perimenopause or menopause!) Perhaps life changes have shaken your confidence, such as job switches, or moves. Perhaps new parenting roles have set you off kilter, by either now having an empty next, or becoming grandparents, or even starting over again with youngsters!
No matter what "IT" is that has shaken your confidence, it is important to remember that confidence and happiness within can be cultivated at anytime and at any age. In today's blog post, let me help to remind you about these sure-fire ways to feel FABULOUS!
#1- FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS
Sometimes my friends and family laugh at me when I say, "Do you know who I am?" with my air of confidence! But seriously, you do need to remember WHO YOU ARE. Make a list of all your strengths, all the things you are good at and all the things you do that bring you joy! When you are feeling down, come back to that and say, "Do you know who I am?! I'm (insert name here), mother of two incredible kids, wife to a man who supports and loves me, best dog mama ever, a good coffee maker and drinker, etc." You have so many strengths!!! Always keep in mind who you are and how valuable your strengths are!
#2- SURROUND YOUR SELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. Seek out friendships with others who lift you up and encourage you to be self. And know that it is absolutely okay to avoid people who bring you down or make you feel negative. (Yes, I realize that is easier said than done, and I have many tips on how to do that, as well, in another post.)
This is also the place that I feel I need to do our shameless plug for The Sisterhood Coaching! As your confidence coaches, we are your personal cheerleaders, reminding you of all your strengths and lifting you up while giving you the tools to be the best possible version of yourself. We all need a "tribe" we can call on, and The Sisterhood Coaching gives you that opportunity to find other like-minded women who want to see the positives in others and celebrates those successes!
"Surround yourself with only people who are going to life you higher."- Oprah Winfrey
#3- TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally. Taking care of your health can have a major impact on your confidence. When you feel good physically, you feel good mentally. When you feel good mentally, you feel good emotionally. It's this awesome cycle! Start by making sure you are getting enough sleep (myth- as you age, you don't need as much sleep. WRONG! So many women do NOT get the required sleep they need to keep their minds and bodies functioning at top level!)
Also, try to drink plenty of water, eat whole foods that are vitamin and mineral rich. And get out there and take a walk in the fresh air or hit the gym for weight training...anything to create those endorphins! (The chemical your body creates that makes you feel good!)
If you need other ideas on how to better take care of yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally, please send me a message! I'd love to give you some free tips!
#4- CHALLENGE YOURSELF
This past year, we had an exchange student live with us from the Czech Republic. No, not everyone is up for that challenge, although it was extremely amazing to learn about her culture and teach her at ours. What I did do to challenge myself was begin learning a new language- Czech!
As we age, we need to keep our brains working and by trying new things, you are helping your confidence to grow (as well as so many brain-related benefits!) Maybe you'll decide to enroll in a class, or start a new hobby, or even begin volunteering for something you find interesting! By stepping out of your comfort zone, you are realizing all your potential! How great does that feel?!
#5- PRACTICE SELF-CARE
This is the part of the post where you are given permission to do something for YOU! It's so easy to put others before ourselves, especially if it a habit we've had for decades! Listen, sister, self-care is ESSENTIAL for maintaining confidence. Make time for those activities that make you feel good and relaxes you and re-sets your mood! Whether it is reading book (for leisure!), or taking a bubble bath (I sit in our hot tub often and I no longer feel bad that I don't invite my husband or kids to sit with me!), or going on a "field trip" by yourself (it's okay to go walk around the HomeGoods store! Just don't get too carried away!) Taking care of yourself really does help your feel more confident.
CONFIDENCE IS A JOURNEY
And the destination is great! Age has nothing to do with feeling confident and great about yourself. You may be in a different stage in life, but by continuing to focus on your strengths, surrounding yourself with wonderful people, taking care of your mind and body, challenging yourself and practicing self-care, you will cultivate that confidence and happiness continuously!
Confidence doesn't happen just over-night. Be patient with yourself and remain diligent. If ever you are feeling stuck or need a cheerleader in your corner to motivate you and mentor you, please send Coach Stacie and Coach Francie a message! We are here to help!
