Empowering Ourselves and Each Other: Finding Confidence and Self-Motivation

As women, we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we're not good enough, that we need to change this about our bodies or that. But what if those messages were actually a catalyst for our own empowerment? What if the confidence we seek is not just an external validation, but an internal spark that can be fanned into a flame by the people around us?

For me, it all starts with self-motivation. Sometimes, I need to have a conversation with myself and remind myself that I've got this. It sounds crazy, but trust me, those little affirmations can make all the difference. Whether I'm about to take on a new challenge or simply starting my day, I remind myself of my strengths and capabilities. And you know what? It works. It's like a ripple effect - when I feel good about myself, it seeps through and affects those around me.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about the power of interaction in building confidence. We were talking about how a simple comment from someone can make all the difference. For example, my daughter was getting ready to go out and wear a swimsuit, when I told her how beautiful she looked. But it wasn't just the physical beauty that made me say those words - it was the fact that I genuinely believed in myself, and now I was passing that confidence on to someone else. It's not just about how others perceive us; it's about how we perceive ourselves.

This conversation reminded me of a concept called "the ripple effect." When one person makes a positive change in their own life, it can create a ripple effect that spreads outwards and touches the lives of those around them. As women, I believe that our collective confidence is what will change the world. We don't have to be experts or leaders; we just need to be ourselves, unapologetically and authentically.

One way we can spread this positivity is through empowering each other. When we support and uplift one another, it's like a domino effect of self-confidence. We see our friends, family members, or colleagues succeeding and thriving, and it inspires us to do the same. It's not just about external validation; it's about creating an internal spark that fuels our own growth.

So how can we achieve this? For me, it starts with small interactions - a kind word, a smile, a listening ear. These seemingly insignificant acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's day. And let's not forget the power of self-acceptance. When I look in the mirror and say positive affirmations to myself, it makes all the difference. It's like I'm sending a message to my inner self that says, "You are enough."

Taking Good Selfies: A Lesson in Confidence

Now, I know what you're thinking - selfies? Really? But hear me out. As someone who doesn't typically enjoy taking photos of myself, I recently partnered with a professional photographer to learn the art of taking a great selfie. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer.

The first rule: never look directly at the camera lens. Instead, look slightly off to one side, and exude confidence through your expression. It's all about finding that relaxed, natural pose that makes us feel good about ourselves. For me, this meant taking a deep breath and exhaling as I snapped the photo.

The second rule: wait for the right moment. Don't just snap away - take your time to think about what you're capturing on camera. When we wait for the perfect shot, it's like waiting for the moment when our confidence peaks. And that moment is often in the exhale - when we let go of our doubts and simply be present.

The third rule: look at yourself with kindness and compassion. Don't worry about flaws or imperfections; instead, focus on what makes you beautiful from the inside out. For me, this meant practicing self-love and acceptance, even in front of the camera.

And finally, practice, practice, practice! Taking selfies is not just about taking a photo - it's about cultivating confidence and self-acceptance. The more I take photos of myself, the more I feel comfortable with my own reflection.

So there you have it, folks - the secret to taking a great selfie and finding confidence in the process. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a newbie like me, remember that it's all about attitude and self-acceptance. And if you ever need a reminder of your own awesomeness, just take a look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I'm enough."

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthank you for being here you can't even on my couch my brand new couch I don't like it with the blue tie with the white and blue white and black stripes yeah oh my god it's like to draw some the dress is clearly white and gold I don't know it doesn't mean black okay talk about it well I like your blue couch okay it's actually white and gold Denise's big thing is like there's no wrong way to be a woman there's no freaking room there is no wrong way to be a woman and I totally agree with that and the article that I wrote for darling magazine okay wait this is so neat oh hey guys it's Kristin sorry to interrupt but you're probably wondering what are they talking about well I recently had the privilege of writing an article for the spring issue of darling magazine here it is I'm a writer y'all so if you're wondering what darling magazine is let me tell you it is one of my favorite magazines it is focused on women's interests and it is run by a group of fabulously talented amazing women and I am obsessed the magazine really focuses on the all-around amazingness that it is of being a woman and they have taken a stance against photoshopping yep they have this right at the beginning of their magazine none of the women in this magazine have been retouched none of them not even me yeah so you can imagine I was a little nervous when they asked me to write and then be photographed for the magazine but I am a completely thrilled like completely thrilled with the way that this magazine turned out I mean look at that I really encourage you to pick up yourself pick up yourself a copy pick up yourself a copy you can order online I will leave a link below or you can pick it up at any local anthropology store do yourself a favor I promise you will love this magazine not just because I'm in it because it's just a really solid magazine okay just wanted to share that on with the show okay so much thank you for coming from a model with the good yeah I mean you look great you look really good in there you guys if you haven't picked up a copy you need to because my boo is killing it in there and there's no retouching and that makes me happy yeah cut your no wrong way to view of it there's no wrong way to be a woman I wrote this article about like dressing for your body which basically like we all as women have different body styles different body shapes but when it all boils down to in my opinion it's confident totally mmm what makes a woman confident I've got so confidence let's get to the first part oh because I feel like there's no real right way either to explain what confidence is because it's different per person and I think that we as women were constantly growing and there's an evolution process that goes on you know where you're at now versus a night here is so completely different I think we realize the changes that we go through as people and not only the pit circles or the work environment or just our friends in general like we are constantly changing and part of that growth and knowledge creates the confidence yeah I am all about our formations okay please leave I believe in the mantra to this is why we're friends because I you know you know Viola Davis in that movie the help you know how she tells a little girl you work on yes mom it was beautiful you know I literally sit in front of the mirror this is so like I can't believe I'm even saying that but in a very Kanye way but not Kanye about it I say nice thing to myself that's it be you know because the world is so crazy out there so sometimes I'm like Kristen you with beautiful you with one of you are doing the right thing you are successful you know just the little things that I need to help self-motivate myself sometimes it's just that little conversation with yourself and people might think it's crazy but it's literally those things of things I gave you that extra boost right you're like I got this like I'm going for it get the second part of that question what can we do as women to empower each other I feel like part of that confidence is its interactive you don't know what I mean like as women like oh my god you look beautiful today I love what you did like some that stuff goes a long way now might be something really small one person yeah but to that person you might just made their day Amanda Jane she commented on me wearing a swimsuit on me a swimsuit and she said that I was inspiring her to be more confident and those type of comments because they really bring it here to my eyes and not because I'm like oh my god I great it looks beautiful but then it's like something i did because of the mantras that i say to myself in the mirror and build my own confidence it's somehow like seeping through and it's now rubbing off on other people and that makes me happy that makes me happy it's a ripple effect you know when I feel good about myself five or ten or however many gross see that picture then they feel good about themselves and who knows who they are making feel good by feeling good do it right and really changing the world and that's all what else could you want what you're changing the world oh no I'm just no girl I feel like having this conversation magazine that's changing the world you know one girl you Taj or two girls or three girls and little by little man you're creating a movement of powerful strong and tiring women and that's all I want my daughter grew up knowing that's awesome i love that so let me know in the comment section below like what you think confidence is and how you think and how you go about in your day-to-day life inspiring other people or maybe yourself to get that self-confidence or to spread it around the universe sprinkle gonna need it sprinkles out and lengthen okay so while I have you here I cannot have you leave without talking about how to take a good selfie I have to have a disclaimer because I'm usually weirded out by people who not like people Beauty people non models and such that have like an Instagram account full of selfies I don't know it's just like I'm not a fan of the selfie I don't like to selfie I think I look weird in selfies but I understand every once in a while you get a fresh blow out their nests your makeup is looking right and you want to show the world part of confidence girl yes so show is the tips while we have the professional here okay i'll be putting me on the spot now rule number one with selfies yes never had them down so i always like it's easy to wait I Ridge the camera looking at always read my face because it's just easier okay so you see here versus outbreak put it up like that's just so much more flattering on the face yeah don't go choo uggs you don't want your eyes to have all the white part on okay good right but that's perfect okay all right and then we'll people don't realize I had people laugh at me all the time about my pose but like I always exhale oh so like my trick is cuz I feel like in the exhale was when you run exco is the moment you know waiting to exhale favor Sam but all movie about it CRF you only won by like exhale okay wait and where do we look always at the camera the camera look at this number look at yourself look at yourself right before you look up and snap okay ready okay so one two three great let's try again I can go to practice 12 okay oh my gosh please selfie time okay by the way we took like 20 of them and i won't post one because I mean girls have the ratio to ya go so anyway okay well thank you so much all media we have to follow her on the Instagram not just because you're gonna see some good pictures what you're welcome to picture but I just love this like follow her adventure I mean single mom working hard and follow her dreams she started out as a makeup artist ball her dream to become a model and I'm just so proud because I've seen your career girl from like here to like here oh man it's such a fun ride yeah can you do though like you ever went on that rooftop in that corset to God yes he started from the bottom and knows where we are on the blue couch so waiting books so follows based on Instagram um make sure you get a copy of darling magazine like this video subscribe to miss Chris and I will see you guys next week oh it's workingthank you for being here you can't even on my couch my brand new couch I don't like it with the blue tie with the white and blue white and black stripes yeah oh my god it's like to draw some the dress is clearly white and gold I don't know it doesn't mean black okay talk about it well I like your blue couch okay it's actually white and gold Denise's big thing is like there's no wrong way to be a woman there's no freaking room there is no wrong way to be a woman and I totally agree with that and the article that I wrote for darling magazine okay wait this is so neat oh hey guys it's Kristin sorry to interrupt but you're probably wondering what are they talking about well I recently had the privilege of writing an article for the spring issue of darling magazine here it is I'm a writer y'all so if you're wondering what darling magazine is let me tell you it is one of my favorite magazines it is focused on women's interests and it is run by a group of fabulously talented amazing women and I am obsessed the magazine really focuses on the all-around amazingness that it is of being a woman and they have taken a stance against photoshopping yep they have this right at the beginning of their magazine none of the women in this magazine have been retouched none of them not even me yeah so you can imagine I was a little nervous when they asked me to write and then be photographed for the magazine but I am a completely thrilled like completely thrilled with the way that this magazine turned out I mean look at that I really encourage you to pick up yourself pick up yourself a copy pick up yourself a copy you can order online I will leave a link below or you can pick it up at any local anthropology store do yourself a favor I promise you will love this magazine not just because I'm in it because it's just a really solid magazine okay just wanted to share that on with the show okay so much thank you for coming from a model with the good yeah I mean you look great you look really good in there you guys if you haven't picked up a copy you need to because my boo is killing it in there and there's no retouching and that makes me happy yeah cut your no wrong way to view of it there's no wrong way to be a woman I wrote this article about like dressing for your body which basically like we all as women have different body styles different body shapes but when it all boils down to in my opinion it's confident totally mmm what makes a woman confident I've got so confidence let's get to the first part oh because I feel like there's no real right way either to explain what confidence is because it's different per person and I think that we as women were constantly growing and there's an evolution process that goes on you know where you're at now versus a night here is so completely different I think we realize the changes that we go through as people and not only the pit circles or the work environment or just our friends in general like we are constantly changing and part of that growth and knowledge creates the confidence yeah I am all about our formations okay please leave I believe in the mantra to this is why we're friends because I you know you know Viola Davis in that movie the help you know how she tells a little girl you work on yes mom it was beautiful you know I literally sit in front of the mirror this is so like I can't believe I'm even saying that but in a very Kanye way but not Kanye about it I say nice thing to myself that's it be you know because the world is so crazy out there so sometimes I'm like Kristen you with beautiful you with one of you are doing the right thing you are successful you know just the little things that I need to help self-motivate myself sometimes it's just that little conversation with yourself and people might think it's crazy but it's literally those things of things I gave you that extra boost right you're like I got this like I'm going for it get the second part of that question what can we do as women to empower each other I feel like part of that confidence is its interactive you don't know what I mean like as women like oh my god you look beautiful today I love what you did like some that stuff goes a long way now might be something really small one person yeah but to that person you might just made their day Amanda Jane she commented on me wearing a swimsuit on me a swimsuit and she said that I was inspiring her to be more confident and those type of comments because they really bring it here to my eyes and not because I'm like oh my god I great it looks beautiful but then it's like something i did because of the mantras that i say to myself in the mirror and build my own confidence it's somehow like seeping through and it's now rubbing off on other people and that makes me happy that makes me happy it's a ripple effect you know when I feel good about myself five or ten or however many gross see that picture then they feel good about themselves and who knows who they are making feel good by feeling good do it right and really changing the world and that's all what else could you want what you're changing the world oh no I'm just no girl I feel like having this conversation magazine that's changing the world you know one girl you Taj or two girls or three girls and little by little man you're creating a movement of powerful strong and tiring women and that's all I want my daughter grew up knowing that's awesome i love that so let me know in the comment section below like what you think confidence is and how you think and how you go about in your day-to-day life inspiring other people or maybe yourself to get that self-confidence or to spread it around the universe sprinkle gonna need it sprinkles out and lengthen okay so while I have you here I cannot have you leave without talking about how to take a good selfie I have to have a disclaimer because I'm usually weirded out by people who not like people Beauty people non models and such that have like an Instagram account full of selfies I don't know it's just like I'm not a fan of the selfie I don't like to selfie I think I look weird in selfies but I understand every once in a while you get a fresh blow out their nests your makeup is looking right and you want to show the world part of confidence girl yes so show is the tips while we have the professional here okay i'll be putting me on the spot now rule number one with selfies yes never had them down so i always like it's easy to wait I Ridge the camera looking at always read my face because it's just easier okay so you see here versus outbreak put it up like that's just so much more flattering on the face yeah don't go choo uggs you don't want your eyes to have all the white part on okay good right but that's perfect okay all right and then we'll people don't realize I had people laugh at me all the time about my pose but like I always exhale oh so like my trick is cuz I feel like in the exhale was when you run exco is the moment you know waiting to exhale favor Sam but all movie about it CRF you only won by like exhale okay wait and where do we look always at the camera the camera look at this number look at yourself look at yourself right before you look up and snap okay ready okay so one two three great let's try again I can go to practice 12 okay oh my gosh please selfie time okay by the way we took like 20 of them and i won't post one because I mean girls have the ratio to ya go so anyway okay well thank you so much all media we have to follow her on the Instagram not just because you're gonna see some good pictures what you're welcome to picture but I just love this like follow her adventure I mean single mom working hard and follow her dreams she started out as a makeup artist ball her dream to become a model and I'm just so proud because I've seen your career girl from like here to like here oh man it's such a fun ride yeah can you do though like you ever went on that rooftop in that corset to God yes he started from the bottom and knows where we are on the blue couch so waiting books so follows based on Instagram um make sure you get a copy of darling magazine like this video subscribe to miss Chris and I will see you guys next week oh it's working\n"