I wanted to start a new series each week that digs deeper into "life." Some of my most viewed posts are those that are raw and real (like this and this). I don't have all the answers, if any, but I have been through enough in my lifetime to provide some advice and knowledge that I believe is worthy of sharing.
To kick off the series, I wanted to talk about building confidence. This is something that hits close to home because I have struggled with confidence my entire life - I think everyone has. The key is to get to a point in your life where you stop caring so much about what everyone around you is saying and just love yourself.

You can bet I have been beaten down by words - I'm not good enough, I don't deserve happiness, I don't deserve a promotion, I'm big boned and broad, my face is ugly, I'm too sensitive.... You get the picture. We all know people are mean and will say hurtful things, my problem is that I care WAY too much about what people say and I let it effect all aspects of my life...including my confidence. I know I am not the only one who struggles in this area, and while it's something I still struggle with, I am getting to a point where I love myself more and more each day.

1. Surround yourself with positive people and remove those that add toxicity. It's amazing how much better you feel when you have support from those around you - and finding friends that treat you as though you deserve to be treated and vice versa. I may not have hundreds of friends but the ones I do have are those that build me up - not tear me down.

2. Live a healthier lifestyle. This year I started a great workout program and started eating cleaner. I cannot describe how much better I feel about myself. Not only is my mood uplifted but my body feels great from the food I am feeding it. In no way am I trying to lose 20 pounds but I want to be stronger, more toned, and lean. I'm not working out for anyone but myself - that's the key to this lifestyle. You can't live a healthier lifestyle unless YOU want it. I make healthier decisions, I workout with my good friends, and I push myself because I know I will feel great. Not only that but working out produces endorphins, endorphins make you happy (the words from Legally Blonde) and Whether it's starting small and trying a new workout 2-3x a week or trying a new healthy recipe once a week - each step you take will help you become the best you.

3. Don't depend on others for your happiness. If you are dependent on another person to make you happy - chances are, you won't be happy. Confidence stems from happiness. Sure, there are a handful of things in my life that don't make me happy but there are also a handful of things that do - such as great friends, working out, blogging, my new pup, and living on my own! My relationship fell apart last year because we became so dependent on each other to satisfy and make one another happy (among other things of course), the result ended in bitterness and toxicity. I have come to realize you have to find something worth living for - and whatever makes you happy - DO THAT.
4. Tell yourself (and treat yourself) that you are worthy. You are worthy of more than an abusive relationship, you are worthy of more than a job that takes advantage of you, and you are worthy of more than friends that tear you down. When you come to realize that you deserve the best and you are the best you, you can be - that is confidence. I have flaws and there are characteristics of myself that I don't love - but at this point in my life I am working to be the best version of myself I can be, and I love that. There is no greater feeling than feeling good about yourself and knowing your worth. Keep reminding yourself and treating yourself as you deserve to be treated.

If you have any other tips on building confidence please share below!