Hi Briana, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I believe confidence and self-esteem is developed naturally when you are able to do something you love. I have been fortunate in life to be able to follow my passion. I wear many hats when it comes to my profession. I am an international photographer, I lead local retreats here in CA and cultural immersion experiences in Nepal, Ethiopia, Japan and Oaxaca, and I am a pilates instructor. Every hat I put on requires a quiet strength so that I can empower those around me. It doesn’t matter if I’m on a photo shoot or in the pilates studio, I use my passion for what I do to make people comfortable and relaxed. Do I have moments where I’m dying and I feel my self esteem running away, of course. When this happens I take a deep breath and remind myself that those around me are probably way more nervous than I am so I channel my nerves into helping them feel confident. With a gentle smile and some encouraging words I can move forward with confidence. Over half the time the encouraging words I share with others are really geared toward my inner self.