My Journey to Confidence: Navigating Postpartum Changes and Embracing Self-Acceptance
Let’s get real & Share AN HONEST UPDATE On
Body confidence
It’s been a while since I’ve discussed confidence on the blog; my last one was in 2021, which is still poignant and worth the read but it feels like an entire lifetime ago. Of course, I shared a lot throughout my pregnancy journey and navigating the ever-changing changes. If you are in that season of life, I highly recommend checking out those updates on the motherhood tab of the blog, specifically my first-trimester, second-trimester, and third-trimester updates, where I shared real-time feelings and tips for those particular seasons. I haven’t discussed it too much on the blog or social media. Still, I have mentioned that the postpartum experience has rocked me to my core in every way imaginable, and there are times when I still very much feel “in the thick” of navigating through the changes.
Regardless of where you are in life, whether navigating the challenges of postpartum changes, embarking on a new adventure or chapter in life, or simply trying to find your place in the world, the journey to confidence and feeling comfortable in our skin is a universal experience. It's a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of triumph, and moments of doubt. Some days, we wake up feeling unstoppable, ready to take on whatever comes our way. On other days, even the simplest tasks can feel daunting, and our confidence wavers.
But through it all, it's important to remember that these fluctuations are normal. They're a natural part of the journey, and they don't define our worth or our ability to succeed. What matters is that we keep moving forward, one step at a time, learning from each experience and growing stronger along the way. Once I realized that I will never wake up and be “done” working on this journey, things started to click for me.
reflecting:
One of the biggest challenges I've faced postpartum has been with my body image and feeling good while getting dressed. The changes my body went through during pregnancy, after giving birth, and breastfeeding were immense, and learning to accept and love this new version of myself has been a journey filled with ups and downs. I've also struggled to adjust to my new roles and responsibilities as a mother, as a business owner, sometimes feeling overwhelmed and unsure of myself. Managing my own expectations and the expectations others have of me has been another ongoing challenge.
what has helped:
Throughout this time, I've found that practicing self-care has been crucial. Taking the time to do things that make me feel good, whether walking outside, playing tennis, connecting with friends, or just a few moments of quiet reflection, has all helped me recharge and feel more confident. I've also found positive affirmations and seeking support from others, whether friends, family, or a therapist, to be incredibly beneficial.
For anyone else navigating body changes, I suggest finding a few key pieces of clothing that make you feel good about yourself. On that note, I cannot emphasize the importance of properly fitting undergarments enough. Your undergarments set the foundation for a good outfit, ultimately making it easier to get dressed and creating a ripple effect into other areas of your getting-ready experience. Having these go-to outfits and undergarments can make getting dressed in the morning a little easier and can boost your confidence throughout the day. Setting small, achievable goals for yourself can also help build confidence, as can practicing self-compassion and reminding yourself that it's okay not to have everything figured out. Because at the end of the day, who really does? Let us know your secrets if so!
I encourage anyone struggling with confidence to take some time to explore what makes them feel good about themselves. This could involve trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing your unique journey. I’d also challenge you to take a look at your social media feed and remove/mute anyone who doesn’t contribute to your positive well-being, even if that means me!
Remember, confidence is such a personal thing, and what works for one person may not work for another (like many things in life, it all requires a little trial and error). Self-care is so important, especially when our confidence is low. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help boost your confidence and remind you of your worth. Whether it's through exercise, socializing, pampering, or simply taking a few moments to yourself, self-care should be a priority. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so I encourage you to continue finding things that fill you up!
Thank you for reading
In sharing my own journey, I hope to show others that they are not alone in their struggles with confidence. I've had moments of triumph where I've felt on top of the world, as well as setbacks that have left me feeling defeated. But through it all, I've learned more about myself and learning more about what it means to be confident in who I am. I want to end by reminding you that confidence is a journey, and it's okay to have bad days. What's important is that you keep moving forward, one step at a time. You are not alone in your struggles, and there is always hope for brighter days ahead.
xx CMK