Well, part 2 sure took me a minute. Why? Because life in your 50s, post-divorce, and transition can sure sideline you. But here I am, pulling it together for a moment, ready to share once again on this journey. Welcome back to Ageless Essence Part 2, where we delve deeper into the journey of rediscovery, empowerment, and celebrating the beauty that knows no age.
In this second part, we're going beyond the surface, exploring the transformative power of building confidence and managing stress and anxiety with grace and resilience. It's about navigating life's twists and turns with authenticity and courage, embracing the complexities that come with growth and change.
Building Confidence:
Navigating the journey of aging gracefully often entails encountering moments when our confidence wavers, when doubts creep in, and when we question our worth or purpose. It's a journey marked by highs and lows, where confidence isn't always a steadfast companion. For me, confidence isn't a constant; it ebbs and flows depending on the day and the situation. Embracing every curve, every line, and every experience is a beautiful aspiration, but the reality is that our confidence can sometimes get shaken.
So, how do we reclaim our confidence when it falters, or better yet, prevent it from wandering too far? The answer is deeply personal, and what sparks confidence within each of us varies. For me, confidence is a delicate balance of feeling physically strong, emotionally resilient, spiritually connected, and deeply loved and desired. While we're often told to find confidence from within and to love ourselves unconditionally, I know I'm not alone in acknowledging that this can be easier said than done.
In this section, let's explore the tangible steps and practices that can reignite our confidence flame and keep it burning bright. Confidence isn't just about external validation or conforming to societal standards; it's about owning our story, standing tall in our truth, and embracing our power with grace and resilience. Together, we'll uncover practical tips and insights on how to cultivate and nurture confidence from within, allowing our ageless essence to radiate boldly for all to see.
Some days, I wake up feeling physically confident, ready to conquer the world with a skip in my step or a big bold hair flip. Other days, it's emotional and spiritual strength that carries me through, reassuring me that I am capable of handling whatever comes my way. And on those magical days when both aspects align, I feel unstoppable.
But let me tell you, confidence doesn't just materialize out of thin air. It's a state of being that requires cultivation and care. I've learned that I must actively remind myself to nurture my confidence, making it an integral part of my daily routine. Here are a few practices that have helped me boost my self-confidence:
Compassion and Forgiveness:
Do you ever notice how we're quick to extend grace, compassion, and forgiveness to others, yet struggle to offer the same to ourselves? It's something I've grappled with personally. Cultivating self-compassion isn't just a journey; it's a deep, transformative process that demands intentional effort and unwavering dedication. I've learned that instead of succumbing to self-criticism when I stumble, it's crucial to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding I readily offer to my friends or loved ones. I remind myself to be patient and forgive my moments of weakness or doubt. In other words, I try not to be so hard on myself, because like most, I’m just doing my best on any given day.
Cultivating confidence is about creating a nurturing space within ourselves where we can heal, grow, and thrive, especially during challenging times. This means challenging the negative self-talk and thoughts that often plague our minds and replacing them with affirming and supportive dialogue. When those familiar feelings of self-doubt arise, take a moment to pause and reframe the narrative. Identify aspects of yourself that you appreciate and admire, and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small, because sometimes, on somedays, they are as simple as getting up and showing up for the day, maybe getting one thing on the to-do list done, and some days it’s ok not to expect more than that. It's important to recognize that cultivating self-compassion is a journey, not a destination, and that meaningful change takes time. As we commit to practicing self-compassion consistently, we create habits and rituals that shape our sense of self and contribute to our overall well-being.
I constantly remind myself to take deep breaths, to slow down the rush of thoughts, and to reach beyond the immediate feeling. When I find myself shaken or lacking courage and confidence, I gently remind myself that I have to breathe and move my body, for me, getting up and moving recharges me, sitting idle paralyzes me and my thoughts. I've learned that it's not just about waiting for it to pass; it's about actively letting it go, releasing the grip of negativity and doubt, and embracing the possibility of renewal and growth.
There are often times when the actions or in-actions of others can affect my confidence and sometimes these moments are the hardest to manage. When these moments creep in I have to double down with my efforts to keep my confidence up and my anxiety down. It’s a delicate balance and sometimes my go to is doing something productive, physical, or creative. These things redirect my mind and turn energy into actions. It reminds me of how capable I am and how I can regain control of what defines me, taking that away from anyone else. In other words, I find things that ignite my divine goddess and bad bitch energy and I harness the heck out of that energy!
Dancing Queen
Another way I actively build my confidence is through dancing, particularly pole dancing. Pole dancing has been a transformative practice for me, both physically and emotionally. I stumbled upon it at the age of 38, and over the years, it has become much more than just a hobby—it's been a lifeline. The phrase "dance it out" holds profound significance for me because it encapsulates the essence of what dancing represents in my life. When I step onto the pole studio and lose myself in the music, I'm able to release pent-up emotions and energy, allowing them to flow freely through my body. It's a cathartic experience, a form of self-expression that enables me to purge whatever needs to be purged and embrace the present moment with strength and empowerment. While pole tricks are undoubtedly impressive, for me, the true beauty lies in the emotional depth and connection I'm able to cultivate through movement. Sensual Movement is a way for me to reconnect to my body and sensual soul, it allows me to feel very confident and sexy.
Developing this type of movement takes practice, vulnerability, and the courage to feel awkward until it’s not, practice and consistency are key. Each person has their own style of dance and movement, that’s the beauty of it all, there is no wrong or right way to move. If it feels good, then you’re doing it right, because it’s right for you. If pole dancing isn't your cup of tea, I encourage you to explore other physical outlets that allow you to experience that same sense of freedom and liberation. Whether it's yoga, running, or any other form of movement, finding what resonates with you can be truly life changing. For me, pole dancing is a source of sensuality, power, and liberation, but the key is finding what makes you feel sexy, confident, and alive. If you’re tempted to try sensual movement, start at home, no pole needed, all you need in a mat and some music.
Celebrate The Journey
Ageless Essence isn't just about defying age; it's about embracing every facet of our being and finding empowerment in our journey. It's about acknowledging the highs and lows, the moments of triumph and vulnerability, and recognizing that true beauty transcends physical appearances. As we navigate the complexities of life, let's remember that confidence is a journey, self-compassion is a practice, and embracing our uniqueness is our greatest strength. Together, let's continue to celebrate the ageless essence within each of us, igniting the flame of self-love, sensuality, and purpose for years to come.