glitter

The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely. — Carl Jung

You’re going to be getting ready for a fabulous party, and you are the guest of honor. Think about your grand entrance! What will people think as you walk in? Which parts of yourself will you show as they get to know you?
♥ Sit down with yourself for a moment; be honest and think about whatever (the good, the funny, the bad, the awkward) makes you you and not someone else.

In your skin
Ok, we all have insecurities to a certain degree — a freckle, our derrière not fitting into something, a slightly crooked nose. There is always someone who will remind us of these any chance they get, and that someone is more often than not ourselves. What’s happening on the inside has a way of manifesting itself outside, so if you walk into a room and expect everyone to be dazzled, you cannot do so with slouching shoulders, doubting your own beauty and ‘essence’. But before dazzling a room of strangers you must be able to dazzle yourself; it does not matter what size you wear or how tan you are(n’t), it only matters how you feel about it.

♥ Sit down and jot down things you are not comfortable with and things you love about yourself. No bullets! Complete sentences including why (Did someone make a rude comment about it before? Does your style icon have something you feel you don’t?) Read it back to yourself. Most likely you’re being too harsh, and instantly you’ll find things that you can live with — cross these out. Whatever is left is still a part of you, so you’ll have to work with it! Is it something that some exercise and healthy eating can change? If it isn’t, what can you do to ‘make it work’ for you? (Yes I did just steal Tim Gunn’s line.) These things take time, so while you grow comfortable in your own skin, find ways to celebrate what you do feel good about: wear a cute skirt to emphasize your legs, pull your hair back so your beautiful eyes can show through, get your nails done! It’s OK to believe the compliments you get, so do it. Be positive and kind with your body because you don’t have a spare one in your closet, and ultimately confidence is the most beautiful accessory. Make sure you wear a smile whenever possible, and you are well on the way to loving yourself more.

Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin, as self-neglecting. — William Shakespeare

In your mind
So if the outside is a manifestation of the inside, we need to take a closer look at what our busy minds are getting up to. There are many traits that are worked into our personalities, some of which we may not even be aware of until someone points them out. But in the quiet of our momentary solitude, while we pick out the appropriate attire for this fanciful event we’re attending, we can reflect for a moment.
♥ First and foremost, try to eliminate any self criticism and do not compare yourself to others. You may admire someone for how outgoing they seem, but were they given a chance they might find themselves admiring your effortless poise. From now on bring forth the best in you and surround yourself with people who do the same.
♥ Trust yourself more.
♥ Be fair to yourself. Know when you have done wrong and recognize when you have put in your best efforts despite the outcome of a situation. There is no point in punishing yourself; just be honest and know where you stand.
♥ Accept your quirks, mannerisms, your randomness. Polish up any negative attitudes and as always, focus on your best. The rest will follow.

Don’t forget to love yourself. — Soren Kierkegaard

In your life
♥ Compliment people (only if you mean it.)
♥ Stay away from gossip, and be wary of those who do it because you never know what they might be saying were you not present.
♥ Avoid conflicts if you can, they only bring negative energy. It’s not about ‘taking the higher road’, it’s about figuring a problem out without resorting to any sort of name calling or agitation. Sometimes it’s good to put feelings aside and agree to disagree — done.
♥ Be thankful not only for what you have been given but also to the people that surround you, no matter how small their deed; make sure they do not go unnoticed.
♥ Do things you’re good at! Emphasize your talents. If (like me) you are not sure that you even have any, try something you’ve always liked and see where it goes!
♥ Have fun. This is essential.

That should get you on your way! If you’re still worried about that big entrance, you could follow our friend’s advice over here, I say he’s definitely got the right idea: