August 12, 2020

Some of us have built-in confidence and some of us struggle in learning how to love ourselves. I really believe that no matter where you stand, loving yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin is SO crucial to living a fully happy life. What we think of as beauty is irrelevant to confidence. Confidence is what makes someone stand tall, laugh easily, love openly, be honest, and offer kindness to strangers. That kind of inner beauty is what makes someone irresistible and wonderful to be around.

If you don’t know where to start, my advice is to work with what God gave you and start taking good care of yourself. Follow a few simple rules and incorporate a new sense of self-love into your life. Watch out, you might start feeling more confident in yourself 😉 You’re worth it!

1. Wash your face every morning and night.

This probably sounds like something your mom told you. But seriously, washing your face is one of the most basic but essential beauty regimen practices. It not only keeps your skin clean and happy but it also adds a very simple, yet kind routine to help you start valuing and paying attention to yourself. Don’t make excuses to avoid it! You deserve this small commitment to yourself.

2. Keep good hygiene.

We are talking about the basics here, people. Shower/bathe every day, brush your teeth twice a day, wear clean clothes, and keep your hair and nails clean. It sounds simple but it’s not uncommon these days with working from home to skip basic hygiene practices due to laziness or “not having time.” If you have time to watch TV, go on IG, chat with a friend on the phone, or shop online…you have time to take care of yourself.

The reason why good hygiene is so important is that it helps you FEEL prepared to take on anything. It’s hard to be confident when you’re trying to slyly figure out if you forgot to put on deodorant this morning.

Personally, a fresh mani/pedi is a must but I realize that may not be super necessary to everyone’s self-maintenance. We all have a certain level of upkeep where we feel our most confident! Maybe you have some hair that grows a little out of place or dry skin that needs some extra attention. Keeping up on your self-maintenance will help you to feel prepared to take full advantage of opportunities in life. Have you ever been invited to something and turned it down because you don’t feel “ready”? Maybe you let your hair go to hell, the laundry pile is a mile high, and your lack of sleep is giving you a headache. If you would have kept up on your daily maintenance you would be more free of these little things holding you back.

3. Be prepared.

If you’re already on the good hygiene bandwagon, add a little extra preparedness so that you can always feel ready to go. I always keep sunglasses, mints, chapstick, a mini hairbrush, a hair tie and clip, a nail file, hand cream, and a travel-sized fragrance in my purse. I keep sunblock, a hat, cuticle oil, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and extra sunglasses in my car. Being well-prepared helps me stay confident in situations where a spur-the-moment adventure is afoot or even just a change in plans. If I can clean myself up a bit going from the sandy beach to a nice dinner in Malibu, or from running errands to meeting my husband’s new colleague for a quick hello, I am much more likely to embrace and enjoy the experience rather than feel awkward and avoidant.

4. Be healthy!

I cannot stress how important your health is and how investing in it is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. I know you know this, but for most of us, it’s as simple as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.

At the grocery store, I try to keep my cart mostly full of fresh produce and a small amount of grain, dairy, and meat. If it’s in a box, can, or bag, it’s probably processed and might have ingredients you didn’t expect to be in there. If you can’t easily identify things listed in the ingredient section – proceed with caution. These items shouldn’t make up a big part of your diet. You might be shocked to know that sugar can often be found as an ingredient in the most unsuspecting items like salad dressing and crackers. Home-cooked meals are the best way to give yourself (and your family) nutritious food.

Disclaimer: of course you can eat the bad stuff now and again, just realize it’s time to check yourself when it’s too much, too regular, or out of control.

Exercise can range from intense HIIT workout classes, like my F45 Training classes, or simply a walk around the neighborhood. Whatever it is, just do something! And make sure to fit it in at least a few times a week. It makes a BIG difference in the way you feel over time and keeps your body in working order.

5. Learn to BE confident.

One of my biggest strengths has always been my self-confidence. If you aren’t a naturally confident person, start by practicing. Fake it till you make it is real and you can change the way you think yourself by reminding yourself daily that you have attributes that are VALUABLE! Over time, just by thinking of at least one thing a day, you will start to believe in yourself and recognize what you bring to the table. No matter what you look like, confidence is always beautiful and people are drawn to a real smile and warm heart. Don’t confuse confidence with cockiness or showing off – which is actually unattractive, annoying, and insincere. Confidence is knowing and accepting yourself and being able to love and accept others.

Good luck to becoming your best self and caring for YOU!

With love,

Ashley Jo