Practical ways i became a more confident woman

Their was a period in my life where I suffered low self esteem and confidence mainly because I allowed the negative words of one individual to drag me down to such as extent that I could not even look in the mirror and for while I had to force myself to smile.

I am so happy that one day when I had a dream where saw myself as a small bird in a cage, and then I saw a huge hand opened the cage door and said " You are free, fly as high as you can" I then saw myself as an eagle and I just kept flying high. Since then, I received a lot of help and support and then trained to be a life coach and made the decision to specialise in confidence building and happiness, so that I could use my experience and training to make a difference in the lives of children and adults.

Things I have done to boost my confidence

1.Getting a new mirror

After years of not being able to look at myself in a mirror and feeling good; I decided one day to get myself a full length mirror. I then place the mirror outside my bed room door so that when I wake in the morning, no matter what I looked like, I could remember to say " I am unique, special, and original and not a copy". "I choose to focus on the positive and will not let anyone make me feel inferior". I still do this everyday and this has helped me a great deal to boost my self esteem and confidence!

2. Going to a restaurant on valentine's day on my own

Last Valentine's day, I decided to practise what I preached! I got myself all dressed up, and went to a restaurant and took with me a book and a bouquet of roses. When I went it, the waitress asked if it was a table for two, I confidently said no. I had to sit near to the front which meant everyone could see me as they came in. I must admit as I sat down on my own, I felt a bit "strange"initially as I felt people must be watching me, and coming to various conclusions! As time went on I ordered my meal, and just had a good time. I spent some time reading my book, and secretly watching to see if others where looking at me! Two hours later, I paid my bill and went home! I felt great for the experience!

3. Representing myself in court

A few years ago due to the fact that I was made redundant and my general emotional state, I had let things get out of control in my life and my house was due to be repossed just before Christmas! This was a wake up call for me, I just read as much as I could about how to stop repossession and as I did not have money to pay a solicitor, I decided to represent myself. On the day of the court hearing, I had to go to court on my own. I said a prayer and though I was a bit worried, I just kept saying to myself " it will be ok". When I was called in, the magistrate seemed pleasant and I explained to him why I could not pay the mortgage. I also told him that I had been offered a job in the new year which would mean that I would be able to start paying the arrears and the mortgage. Thank God, that that the magistrate surprised me when he suggested I started paying the mortgage a month after I started the job. I was so happy and this gave me a boost and confidence I needed at that time.

4. Presenting my business idea to a panel of business experts

I took part in a business competition and part of being one of the finalists; I had to present my business idea to a panel of business experts and an audience. I was the first one to give my presentation which I felt very confident about. I started to feel a bit nervous when the panellists started asking me questions. I overcame this by just saying in my mind " you are confident and you are doing ok" . I also had to practise my breathing techniques. WOW, was I relieved when it finished. I felt better when the judges gave some great constructive feedback.

5. Walking in the Town Centre dressed in my Confident Queen Outfit

This year as part of BBC Children in Need appeal, I decided to dress up and walk up and down our busy town centre to raise money for such a good cause. I managed to persuade 3 other friends to join me. It was just one of those fantastic experiences I have had. I was also wearing my fun, extra large sunglasses, and I was also giving away Smiley stickers. As we walked through the time, I kept smiling to people, chatting and explained that I was also giving away free smiles! We also got to dance and sing for some people. My confidence was boosted as people joined in and did give to our cause and some even stopped just to have a chat and a smile.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this, remember that you are unique, special an original and not a copy!