Make mine a double

Do you ever think you’re missing out on some things in life because you lack confidence? Do you sometimes feel like you need an extra shot or two to get through a session with an ogre, a.k.a., your boss, your MIL, your [insert relevant noun here]? Well, you will not find what you need in a double shot of espresso or whisky , for that matter. It’s all in you, gurl. You’ve got it all. Confidence. Yes, that lioness is in you. She’s there; she just needs a little nudge sometimes.

What nudges or wakes up that confidence best? A positive attitude. Appreciate what you have; don’t bemoan what’s missing, or what you think is missing. Maybe it ain’t missing, just resting.

Treat yourself right, it’ll make you feel good. And feeling good equals looking good, and that is one heck of a confidence waker-upper.

Your body language is important, not just to others, but to yourself, too. If you’re feeling nervous or shy, you physically shrink in and try to take up less space. You’re telling the world and yourself that you’re not worthy, you’re afraid. The solution? Simple, take up more space. Animals do it (have you seen a peacock fan his tail?) Men do it all the time – think The Man Spread. Women are chronically less confident than men. It’s just a fact.

Oh, sure there are confident women, but they are not the norm. Think about the last confident woman you saw. How was she standing? How did she look? She was standing straight, shoulders relaxed, one arm akimbo, right? Dressed to the nines, she probably walked with long strides, head high.  No hunched shoulders or slouching for her. Even just standing still she was bold; taking up space.

You can do this, too. I know you can. Practice. There’s a lot to be said about “fake it ‘til you make it”.

We’re not talking about hollering at the world through a megaphone. This is just for you. This is personal. All you need for you is an easy gentle confidence that lets you get more of what you want out of life. There are lots of ways to gently build your confidence. Little things count for a lot.

• Smile
• Talk positively to yourself. Be supportive. Show yourself the same respect you show others
• Dress well. Eat well. Treat yourself well
• Practice rituals of pleasure—long soaks in the tub, facials, chocolate, wear gorgeous sensual underwear

Do whatever makes you feel good. Like Coco Chanel once said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress, dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

You know it’s in you. Think of the last time you felt the urge to protect your child or an underling. I’m sure your inner lioness came out powerfully. Now, no one’s going to mess with that lady.

How about you? When does your inner lioness roar? Tell us in the comments below. We want to hear your story.