WOW! Have you seen this news story, “10-year-old hosts confidence conference to help girls start school year”? Such an inspirational story. It’s simply remarkable that such a young lady is able to identify a situation and make the effort to do something about it.
Taking charge and initiating change in the world around her is nothing new for Olivia Allen who has already logged enough volunteer hours to earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
During her conference, “I Can Be” Girls Confidence Conference” Olivia has brought in experts to present to girls 8-12 years old. The primary focus is on believing in themselves with confidence and going after their dreams.
Olivia got the ball rolling after her school nurse presented a class on puberty. I think what I love so much about this whole story is that, while the nurse talked about the physical and emotional changes a young girl will go through, Olivia realized it was confidence that would see the girls through this awkward, uncomfortable phase of life.
Confidence!
Confidence is often rocked by poor body image. And, it’s not only weigh related. Wishing away wrinkles, dreaming of breast augmentation, stressing over the way your nose looks, hating your straight hair, hating your curly hair, and wondering how you can look more like the models in the magazines.
Because according to you, once you can look more like them, you will have no issue with confidence. Well, I want to let you in on a little secret. Something that works for me and if you let it, it will work for you too.
Focus on being healthy!
I would say “focus on being happy and healthy” but that is often met with resistance since we tend to attach our happiness to so many other factors in our life. If you focus on being healthy, you are going to be amazed at what other positive changes will happen for you.
Taking care of your body through healthy eating and exercise is met with open arms by your skin, kidneys, liver, metabolism, heart, lung, hair, nails, and the list goes on and on. Will focusing on health and wellness make you love your nose? No. The key is to do what is in your power to do in order to care for the body you were given and then embrace every inch of it. The “imperfections” you see in the mirror are the same amazing features that other people fall in love with.
“It’s your precious imperfections that make you truly beautiful!” ~Dawn Gluskin