Sometimes people ask me why I post daily pics of myself and then follow it up with comments about being ‘vain’
Ummm excuse me while I put their manners back in.
Right now that’s sorted, let me just say I don’t have a vain bone in my body. The definition of vain is having a high opinion of oneself, self obsessed, egotistical, arrogant, narcissistic, boastful…and the list goes on.
Ummm…I’m none of that.What I am is confident but I wasn’t always this way.
No siree I was self conscious and always in search of acceptance. You see I was raised in a household where I was told I wasn’t worthy, that life would have been better if I was a boy and I didn’t receive much girly guidance. When you are put down enough you start to believe it.
Now don’t cry me a river because I’m a strong chicky who has worked through a pile of shit which is why I can stand before you every day and put my picture out there into the land of the Internet.
Through necessity I always just gave things a go in life.
I never believed I couldn’t do anything but at the first sign of criticism I would question myself and gave up easily…sometimes.
As I’ve grown I’m now solid in my inner confidence and strongly hold a belief that no one is better than anyone else. I don’t care who you are, how pretty you are, how polished you are, how much money you earn… You wake with morning mouth and wipe your arse the same as me. What you do after that is only down to knowledge and skills collected over the years.
Knowledge is power…heard that one before? Yeah, it’s true and when it comes to daily dressing the more little tips ‘n tricks you pick up the more confident at dressing you will become.
Now that confidence might translate into an inner confidence, or it may be just enough to allow you to feel ‘together’. Truthfully inner confidence is part of a package but the more ‘crumbs of confidence’ you pick up the closer you will come to being the whole cookie.
I’m not quite the whole cookie but when it comes to body image and dressing I’m all good.
I’m open to learning, I’m happy to share my knowledge and having my photograph taken doesn’t bother me one little bit. That’s why I can stand on my front verandah every morning and snap off a few photos…not because I’m vain but because I’m confident. I post those photos because I want to inspire you all, I want you to feel that confidence too.
I’m a Mumma from the burbs, nothing extra special but if I can get you to think differently about clothes and body image, learn to accept yourself a little more then I’m a happy Mumma from the burbs. So I’m going to share tips to help you along, 5 things that you can implement that I hope will help you become a whole cookie.
Ok let’s start…
1. Add an accessory to your outfit. Rise above your fears and preconceived ideas and try something new and if you don’t know how to wear it just ask or Google a utube clip.
2. Grab a neutral lipstick and wear it daily, of course a pop of colour is always a good idea but it’s baby steps right. Start with a neutral and get used to wearing something on your lips. Oh and prepare your lips, dry brush them in the morning and moisturise them at night.
3. Moisturise your body daily…your ‘whole’ body. Of course it’s going to give you supple skin which will look great but moisturising your body will also force you to ‘touch’ and ‘look’ at your body. For some ladies this is difficult, when I moisturise I try to be present with each body part and give thanks for what it can do instead of finding things to dislike. It’s a good way to start looking at your body differently.
4. Drink some water. Sounds simple but really how many glasses of water do you drink each day? It’s vital for a clear head, clear eyes and supple skin. When I drink enough water my body lets go of excess fluid, my eyes are brighter, my skin is plumper and I have loads more energy.
5. Say something nice! Like breeds like, so start by saying something nice to someone…give a compliment or notice when someone has done a good job. It’s a simple act that can breed like wildfire…and beautiful words make for a beautiful face.
It’s not rocket science but sometimes we all need a little reminder (shove) to get going and implement change.
How’s your confidence? Got any tips for building confidence?
Sarah @ Lady Sadie's Emporium says
May 5, 2015 at 3:26 pmWell said!! Bravo! xxx
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 3:45 pmThanks Sarah x
sam says
May 5, 2015 at 3:46 pmYour just Jenni from the block
and you do a fab job everyday.
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 3:47 pmHaha…thanks Sam x
Maggie obst says
May 5, 2015 at 3:53 pmWell mum from the Burbs, this was a great read and I like the part of moisturiser on all the body and being grateful for it. I use moisturiser every day,but don’t always like parts in particular thighs and butt. But with what you have said I’m going to try and love all parts. After all it’s the only body I have.
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 4:27 pmIt sure is Maggie and it hears everything you say and think about it. 🙂
Raychael aka Mystery Case says
May 5, 2015 at 4:06 pmLove your style! I attempted to keep up with Nikki’s #everyday style for a week but it just made me miserable. I’ve never liked being in front of the camera. I’m taking slow steps with the odd selfie and I may attempt a couple of #ootd photos on Instagram again soon.
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 4:28 pmThanks Raychael 🙂 Sometimes it’s just baby steps but good on you for trying. I look forward to seeing some pics on Instagram. x
Lisa mckenzie says
May 5, 2015 at 4:47 pmWell said Jenni. Now I know why I moisturise my whole body not just to get rid of my flaky skin Xx
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 4:50 pmI’m sure your body loves the extra nurturing Lisa x
Vicki | the fashionable mum says
May 5, 2015 at 5:12 pmLovely post! I’ve had the same comments about outfit posts too – who cares! We all do stuff others find weird. Deal with it x
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 5:32 pmHaha Vicki exactly I reckon if my sharing inspires others then it’s all good…and I know it does x
Kerry says
May 5, 2015 at 8:17 pmInstagram is a new found interest for me and I enjoy the ‘ style pics’ of those I follow. I’ve been following you for a little while Jenni and admire your refreshing honesty and down to earth approach. Not at all vain!! I really enjoy your daily photos and tips and who knows I may get the confidence to post one of my own one day. Keep up the great work and thank you!!
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 9:25 pmThanks Kerry, I love Instagram too your confidence will keep growing xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
May 5, 2015 at 8:31 pmBrilliantly said! I’ve ticked off nearly everything on your list, apart from the accessories, but hey, four out of five ain’t bad! You rock!
Jenni says
May 5, 2015 at 9:25 pmFour outa five is awesome Sammie
Kathryn says
May 6, 2015 at 11:29 amI don’t think you are vain! Confident yes. Inspiring yes. Stylish yes. I enjoy seeing your photos, and reading your blog even though I don’t always comment. Jeez people are nasty 🙁 x
Jenni says
May 6, 2015 at 1:18 pmThankyou Kathryn I think some people just don’t understand social media x
michele says
May 6, 2015 at 2:48 pmI appreciate your daily posts Jen, you add something that’s uniquely you and I wouldn’t want any other. Thank you.
Michele ♡
Jenni says
May 7, 2015 at 10:52 pmOh Michelle thanks x
merilyn says
May 6, 2015 at 7:34 pmthis is a great post jen! … can’t believe how rude some people are!
I think you are amazing and I mean it!
I love your work! … you are inspirational hun!
you have great style and an eye for it!!!
I love extra tips like dry lip brushing!
I’ve probably heard it before but you are making it stick!
also love that I won a prize today!
thankyou soo much jen! … love m:)X
Jenni says
May 7, 2015 at 10:53 pmCongrats M!!
Gael - The Vinyl Edition says
May 9, 2015 at 2:04 pmWell that’s interesting – I have experienced the exact opposite journey in terms of confidence, both mind and body. I was brought up to believe in myself, and I really never questioned it until the past few years when I have realised that somewhere along the line I started to doubt myself in a major way. It’s not really a body-image thing, it’s more about the whole package and what I have to offer the world. I’m not sure whether it happened when i had kids or earlier, but I have pretty much zero confidence. It is a really disorienting feeling. Baby steps are probably in order.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to make that a ‘woe is me’ spiel, it’s just that i was struck by your first few paragraphs and how my journey was almost the opposite.
Jenni says
May 10, 2015 at 6:41 pmGael there’s many stages in our life when our confidence feel under attack…no matter how prepared and strong we feel we are. It’s normal, but staying in that paralyzing space of low self esteem isn’t. The biggest and most important step is that one where we recognize how stuck we have become, then that moment where we say ‘enough’ and decide to make changes. It is baby steps and I do believe you just made your first one
Gael - The Vinyl Edition says
May 10, 2015 at 9:23 pmThanks for your comments Jenni. I think it’s been building up, but has become an issue lately because I am trying (unsuccessfully) to get back into the workforce. Anyway, as you say, baby steps!