New week, new beginnings. I wanted to kick this week's post off with this awesome and brief video on yoga poses that can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
I absolutely love yoga, and despite our on-again-off-again relationship, when I am really disciplined about my yoga practice, I see noticeable changes in my body and in my mind. I have experienced reduced stress and tension through stretching and breathing deeply, I have pushed through the challenges of a new or deeper stretching pose, just as I might overcome an obstacle in my day. Finally, I notice that I am less reactive, more thoughtful, and more compassionate to myself and others. Try out some of these poses for a week and let me know how you feel afterwards!
Today is National Awkward Moments Day. When I think about authenticity, awkwardness and confidence, Issa Rae immediately comes to mind. Authenticity is being true to one's own personality or self, it is not false or an imitation, it is real or actual. Issa Rae has continuously showed us that when we own our true self, the good, the bad, and the awkward, that we make space for others to also show up as their authentic and confident selves. The power in authenticity is seen through the impact of Issa Rae's Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. From her book, to the youtube series, to Insecure on HBO, to Hoorae, Raedio, and Rap Sh!t, Issa shows us how to embrace who we are and to monetize it (because living ain't free, but we may as well get paid, and paid well, for being ourselves).
"I found that every time I asked for permission the answer tended to be no, so I had to make my own yeses." -Issa Rae
I know, two YouTube videos in one post is a lot, but I promise these are well-worth the watch. If you are looking for ways to ignite the power within, there is so much power in positive self-talk and movement of the body. This Ted Talk, by Brittany Packnett-Cunningham,"How to Build Your Confidence," is too good not to share.
Here are 10 Affirmations for Showing Up With Confidence:
I am powerful beyond measure.
I am seen and heard.
I am embracing what makes me different and using it as my superpower(s).
I am confident in myself and my abilities, even the ones that need refining.
I am okay with being vulnerable so that I can be free and so can others.
I am the woman for the job. (s/o to Sarah Jakes Roberts ❤️)
I am seizing this moment.
I will no longer overthink, instead, I will take action.
I will not shrink or hide, I will put my hands on my hips, and own my power with audacity.
I will show up as my full self and it is enough.
Think of someone who through their own life and work has shown you that it's okay to be yourself. Send them this post and share your gratitude. ⭐️
Dive into the transformative power of radical self-love with my new book: Radical Self-Love: A Self-Love Workbook. Whether you're starting your journey or deepening your practice, this workbook will help you to embrace self-love in every aspect of your life. Already got a copy, leave a review here. 🌀
Embrace your power, sis!
