26 May Confidence at Midlife

Hi Ladies!
We are in PA for a visit with my in-laws, so I wrote this post before I left as I have been thinking about what has changed the older I get. There are alot of things, as you know, both emotionally and physically, but for today I am taking about Confidence at Midlife. I hope to be able to comment and get around to visiting, but know I’ll do my best!

. I do find the word Midlife kind of funny at this point, as how long do you consider yourself middle-aged? I am 49 in a couple months, so I suppose that I am being optimistic 🙂
Do you wake up each morning unsatisfied with what you see in the mirror Or are you like Stuart Smalley of Saturday Night Live fame? I am good enough… smart enough….with his Daily Affirmations?

Perhaps there is a middle ground. I know as we all grow up we hear about wisdom as we age. Is this something we take granted? I feel at this point in life, I know what being wise means. I do beleive it is about taking a more comprehensive look at yourself and thinking about all of the things you have to offer in life. what you have learned, what lessons have you been taught?
When I was younger in 7th and 8th grade, as well as the last several years of high school, I was bullied. My mom still thinks I think about it. No, I don’t dwell on it, but it does make me think about my personality back then. Why didn’t I stick up for myself? As time goes on, I realized it was probably because I was not assertive or perhaps not as confident in myself as I am now.

At this point in life, I feel I know myself pretty well. What makes you feel confident?
1. You may know yourself better and are comfortable in your own skin.
2. You have accepted that you are going to get grey hairs and realize it isn’t the end of the world!
3. Try to be positive. I know, with a chronic illness, there are days that is tough. Negativity does just bring you down,.
4. You care less about what other people think.
5. You dress nicely for yourself and how it makes you feel. I have always thought dressing nicely made me feel better, as I am trying to put my best foot forward. I do it because it makes me feel good.
6. You realize that in the “Overall scheme of life” that many things just aren’t that important! You realize that family, friends, loved ones are the most important thing in life and you  dont “let the small stuff” get you down.

1. Being strong or assertive doesn’t mean pushy or aggressive.

2. Confidence comes with being happy with the person that you are. Flaws, imperfections and all. The good and the bad. There is always room for self-improvement, but there is also acceptance. It is a rather freeing feeling!

3. Do you have strong beliefs? Are you confident in those beliefs as they are a cornerstone to your being?

4. Love yourself for who you are, as comparison to others is not productive in any way!

So tell me, what does “Confidence” mean to you? At midlife or any other stage? 

Leave a comment below, Id love to hear from you!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jess xo