Seven Simple Ways to Enhance Self Confidence and Inner Joy

We all need a little encouragement from time to time. Sometimes we may turn to friends and family to give us that tender care and loving boost, yet truly the best person to turn to is yourself. Here are some strategies I’m working on that boost joy and self confidence:

1. List out your mood boosters: Create your own personal mantra or song like that famous tune Favorite Things: “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..” from the Sound of Music. Or if that doesn’t ring your bell visit sites like Things to Be Happy About, to lighten up when life gets heavy.
2. Think of something cute: Visit cute overload from time to time, to remember how adorable and fun life can be. When you’re smiling, you exude confidence!
3. Live in the moment by meditating: Meditation helps, and it is something we’ve discussed at length as a way to ease stress and bring us back around to feeling peaceful.
4. Visualize your dreams: This is the key take-away from the Secret, which we talked about here, not too long ago. Whether you dream of living in a tropical paradise, or becoming an astronaut, close your eyes and visualize. Pretend that what you desire is already here.
5. Volunteer: Helping others makes us feel good. Stepping outside our own problems, and focusing on lending a hand to someone truly in need, transforms us. Get involved with a fun charity like Discarded to Divine for example.
6. Be grateful and assertive: Often times lack of confidence stems from lack of assertiveness. If we find ways to be grateful for what we have but assertive about what we need, life becomes easier. I am not saying be demanding, rather look for ways to get things off your chest constructively before you become a walking volcano. Confidence can come from healthy communication, instead of bottling things up and then exploding.
7. Don’t be afraid to take risks: The more we take risks, the more we learn. Call that new friend you made over tea at your favorite cafe. Apply for your dream position, even if it seems out of reach. Start with little ones, like wearing that bright red lipstick, or vibrant yellow shawl. Congratulate yourself when you take risks and recognize your unique gifts and creativity.

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