Use my code HELEN for 20 percent off all items fro Use my code HELEN for 20 percent off all items from @chatbooks. 

As a mom I can’t recommend @chatbooks enough! I snap hundreds of pics of my toddler and I don’t want them to just live on my phone. For $15 a month I order these monthly hardcover books in the sage ombré. 

From the Chatbooks app, I just pop in my favorite photos from the month and send to print. This would also make an incredible gift for grandparents as we start heading into the holiday season and planning our presents. 

#chatbooks #cbadvocate #dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom
Come with me to the @bridgertonexperience #bridg Come with me to the @bridgertonexperience 

#bridgertonexperience #regencyfashion #bridgerton #atlantablogger #georgiablogger
Some of my recent finds on Amazon! The black dress Some of my recent finds on Amazon! The black dress is my favorite from this haul. Which look is your favorite? 

All of these items are linked in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me there for daily outfits and favorite finds. My username is helengbailey!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #amazonfashion #amazonfinds
Bridgerton dress reveal! Find out which dress I wo Bridgerton dress reveal! Find out which dress I wore to the @bridgertonexperience! Thanks for all your input! It really came down to the last minute, I was changing back and forth until we walked out the door. 

Don’t worry, you see this one and my second choice in a mom-and-baby Halloween costume in October. 😉

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #regencydress #bridgertonexperience
Is there anything scarier than the first time your Is there anything scarier than the first time your baby climbs the stairs?? Here’s how we keep our little dude off the stairs. We have an open floor plan and asymmetrical stairs and here is the gate we use! We love this retractable baby gate to keep our little man safe!

If you are a human-mom or a fur-mom, how do you keep your baby safe in one area?

Our baby gate retracts up to 71 inches and is less than $50! I’m linking the exact gate we use and some similar options in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3LtQE
#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #babygate
Loving these cute recent finds from @express! The Loving these cute recent finds from @express! The white dress is my favorite!

All of these are linked in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) for daily outfits, favorite finds and products I love!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #expressyou
The best week with the best people! Here’s a lit The best week with the best people! Here’s a little photo dump of all of our fair fun. So happy my little guy loves the Neshoba County Fair as much as I do! 🎡 

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #neshobacountyfair #mississippisgianthouseparty
I have found some great Amazon finds lately! Here I have found some great Amazon finds lately! Here are five outfits using Amazon pieces.

I’m linking everything in my Amazon Storefront (www.Amazon.com/shop/helengbailey) and in the LTK app! (Helengbailey)

Which one is your favorite? I like number 4! 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #amazonfashion
3 ways to style a cropped blazer! Which look is yo 3 ways to style a cropped blazer! Which look is your favorite? 1, 2, or 3? 

Linking all of these in the @shop.ltk app! My username is helengbailey. Easily shop my entire Instagram, daily finds and favorite pieces on this free app. 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #expressyou
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Life, Wellness · August 26, 2019

How to Exude Confidence When You’re Insecure


 

Today we’re getting really personal and covering a topic I really struggle with: how to exude confidence when you’re insecure.

Growing up, I was considered shy. I hated talking to adults, saying what I wanted to order at a restaurant was my least favorite activity, and talking on the phone put me in a full blown panic. My parents did a good job of pushing me out of it. I always had to place my order with the server and ask for help when I needed it. I’m so thankful they did this because I would really have a problem now that I’m an adult.

As I’ve gotten older, my shyness turned more into social anxiety. I always worry that I don’t belong somewhere, that I’m not welcome or wanted, or that I will under-perform professionally.

“Maybe it was a mistake I was invited.” 

“They probably only asked me out of obligation?”

“I’m going to embarrass myself.”

“I’m boring.”

“What if I fail?”

I’ve felt this anxiety in all of my relationships and most of my professional environments. I always wondered if I was good enough to be friends with someone, to date someone, to perform the job required.

My anxiety has really hit an all-time high over the past year. I’ve grown my blog a lot, had a very high-pressure job up until recently, and honestly have gained a little weight. That combination has made me incredibly insecure and caused me to question my relationships and positions.

About a month ago, I was at rock bottom. I really didn’t want to leave my house or do anything social, and the only people I felt really comfortable around were Stephen and my family. I was terrified Stephen was getting tired of me and going to leave me, even though he has been nothing but a supportive, committed, fun, loving perfect partner since the day we met. I had no reason to think that but I had built it up in my head.

Fun fact: I’m a 6 on the Enneagram test, in case you couldn’t tell lol.

I’m on my way back out of the hole I’m in. Right now my motto is “fake it til you make it.” I don’t think people know that I feel this way. I’ve always called myself an “outgoing introvert.” I can go into social and professional situations and act like I’m fine. The great thing about insecurities is that they are invisible and you are the only one who knows that you are uncomfortable.

So today, I want to share my strategies and tactics to exude confidence even when you’re insecure.

exude confidence

-Make a self-esteem portfolio: put a portfolio together of things that make you feel good. Maybe you have a reference letter a superior wrote on your behalf, or a note from a colleague telling you how valued you are–put these in there. If someone gives you a compliment throughout the day, write it on a sticky note and put it into your portfolio. If you’re a blogger, take a nice comment or direct message that makes you feel good. Print out a photo of yourself where you know you look great. Make this portfolio and read it any time you need to give your confidence a jolt.

-Lift your shoulders and look people in the eye. I genuinely hate making eye contact, but looking people in the eye makes you look confident. It also is polite and makes people trust you. Really not looking people in the eye looks shifty, so you should do it anyway. Also pull your shoulders back and think tall. Having good posture can make you look (and sometimes feel) confident.

-Take Deep Breaths and speak slowly. When I get nervous, I have full motor mouth. I talk so so fast rather than speaking calmly and slowly. It’s the worst when I have to do any kind of public speaking, but this also happens to me on phone calls and in conversations I don’t want to have.

-Wear colors that make you feel brave. I like to wear black. It slims me out and makes my hair look blonder. So black is my go-to color for most things. Some people like red because it makes them feel bold. Whatever you feel great in is definitely the color you should be wearing in stressful situations. ALSO, wear clothes you are comfortable in. If you pull on your clothes you don’t look confident so if you don’t like low-cut or too short, don’t wear it.

-Exercise. I mentioned earlier that my weight gain is part of the reason I don’t feel very confident, so I’ve started exercising. I walk dogs and do workouts in our home gym.  If you want to really feel confident, I love doing the Fitness Marshall videos. They are really fun dance workout videos that boost your confidence.

-Find something to do with your hands. I love events that have drinks because I always have something to hold. But find something to do with your hands so you don’t get nervous and fidget. I’ve also done the trick where you have to concentrate on touching your side. I make it like a “floor is lava” game where I can’t stop touching my side. If not I’ll play with my hair so I really try to focus on this.

There you go, my tips for exuding confidence when you aren’t! Do you struggle with insecurity? What are some of your favorite tips?

In: Life, Wellness

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Comments

  1. Amanda K says

    August 26, 2019 at 7:03 pm

    These are all great tips! I’m sure this post will definitely help someone who is feeling insecure.

  2. Morgan @ Baby Got Balance says

    August 26, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    You have some great tips here! I will catch myself feeling insecure sometimes and just remind myself that I’m worthy, stand up straight and keep it moving!

  3. Krissy Cross says

    August 26, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    These are all wonderful tips! We all feel insecure sometimes and these are some great exercises 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

  4. Indya | TheSmallAdventurer says

    August 27, 2019 at 3:39 am

    I LOVE the idea of a self esteem portfolio! What a great idea having all the reminders of the lovely things people have said about you and done for you in one spot. Sounds like a great mood lifter!

  5. CindyMoore says

    August 27, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    These are all wonderful suggestions!! I tend to play with my hair too if I’m nervous. I like the “hand on the side” tip!

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Use my code HELEN for 20 percent off all items fro Use my code HELEN for 20 percent off all items from @chatbooks. 

As a mom I can’t recommend @chatbooks enough! I snap hundreds of pics of my toddler and I don’t want them to just live on my phone. For $15 a month I order these monthly hardcover books in the sage ombré. 

From the Chatbooks app, I just pop in my favorite photos from the month and send to print. This would also make an incredible gift for grandparents as we start heading into the holiday season and planning our presents. 

#chatbooks #cbadvocate #dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom
Come with me to the @bridgertonexperience #bridg Come with me to the @bridgertonexperience 

#bridgertonexperience #regencyfashion #bridgerton #atlantablogger #georgiablogger
Some of my recent finds on Amazon! The black dress Some of my recent finds on Amazon! The black dress is my favorite from this haul. Which look is your favorite? 

All of these items are linked in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me there for daily outfits and favorite finds. My username is helengbailey!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #amazonfashion #amazonfinds
Bridgerton dress reveal! Find out which dress I wo Bridgerton dress reveal! Find out which dress I wore to the @bridgertonexperience! Thanks for all your input! It really came down to the last minute, I was changing back and forth until we walked out the door. 

Don’t worry, you see this one and my second choice in a mom-and-baby Halloween costume in October. 😉

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #regencydress #bridgertonexperience
Is there anything scarier than the first time your Is there anything scarier than the first time your baby climbs the stairs?? Here’s how we keep our little dude off the stairs. We have an open floor plan and asymmetrical stairs and here is the gate we use! We love this retractable baby gate to keep our little man safe!

If you are a human-mom or a fur-mom, how do you keep your baby safe in one area?

Our baby gate retracts up to 71 inches and is less than $50! I’m linking the exact gate we use and some similar options in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3LtQE
#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #babygate
Loving these cute recent finds from @express! The Loving these cute recent finds from @express! The white dress is my favorite!

All of these are linked in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) for daily outfits, favorite finds and products I love!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #expressyou
The best week with the best people! Here’s a lit The best week with the best people! Here’s a little photo dump of all of our fair fun. So happy my little guy loves the Neshoba County Fair as much as I do! 🎡 

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #neshobacountyfair #mississippisgianthouseparty
I have found some great Amazon finds lately! Here I have found some great Amazon finds lately! Here are five outfits using Amazon pieces.

I’m linking everything in my Amazon Storefront (www.Amazon.com/shop/helengbailey) and in the LTK app! (Helengbailey)

Which one is your favorite? I like number 4! 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #amazonfashion
3 ways to style a cropped blazer! Which look is yo 3 ways to style a cropped blazer! Which look is your favorite? 1, 2, or 3? 

Linking all of these in the @shop.ltk app! My username is helengbailey. Easily shop my entire Instagram, daily finds and favorite pieces on this free app. 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #expressyou
This floral dress is made for wedding season! 🌸 This floral dress is made for wedding season! 🌸🌹 It comes in three colors and it just so cute with the ruffles and pleated skirt. 

Plus, very exciting, @chichiclothing has officially launched in the US! This is the place to shop for wedding guest dresses. So if you have a wedding coming up, check out their wedding guest shop.

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #iamchichi #chichigirl

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