Hey, Inner Critic: Shut Up!!!

I've been reading a very interesting book called "The Confidence Code". The authors have done extensive research, and talk about how lack of confidence has affected women's path to success. To me it is interesting that, in theory, men and women are "wired differently" when it comes to that topic. But that doesn't mean we can't be as confident as our opposite sex, only that having been raised differently over generations has definitely taken its toll. 

What I found most interesting about all this is that, although there are genetics and environmental ties to different confidence levels, what scientists are discovering more and more is that we are, independent of gender or age, able to rewire our brains and do a complete 180 on pretty much anything that previously was considered static. Ever hear things like: "I've always been horrible at math" or "I could never speak in front of a large audience"? Well, turns out that's not entirely true. In fact, that will only main true if you wish for it to be that way. And same goes for many other generalized fears and preconceived notions we've heard about for so long. Confidence is just one of the many items on that list. 

Actually making the change may be more simple than we think. The only thing is that it will require commitment, practice, and sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone. But think about it: how is it that we develop habits in the first place? Isn't it just an activity, thought or behavior that is repeated over and over again until we barely notice we're doing it, or until it becomes a part of our daily routines? Then our self-confidence can be improved in the exact same way. Obviously it requires putting certain things into perspective, and the authors Claire Shipman and Katty Kay have done an amazing job explaining that part, so I won't go into further detail. But all I'm saying is: how amazing is it that the theory that we're born a way or another and will be so for life has completely gone out the window? Isn't it wonderful to live in time where change is absolutely possible?

Although a lot of the book has to do with women in the work environment, I couldn't help but think that confidence really affects all the areas in our lives. And yes, I'm getting to the swimwear portion :) Not to say that our style and body shape don't contribute to how we buy and wear swimsuits, but imagine this: what would happen if we defied our usual process, and dared to try on something a bit different, perhaps a bit more exposed, or with a different print, shape, or size? Would the world really come to an end? Actually no; it will do no such thing. Just knowing that makes stepping out of our comfort zones a bit easier. But now, imagine if we could go beyond that; what would happen if we stopped our minds right before the "I'm too fat", or "this is gonna look hideous", or even "I don't look good in white, black, patterns, etc.", thoughts came up, and simply tried on a different bathing suit without judgement? Could you all agree with me that the possibility of being pleasantly surprised is existent, and quite likely?

"The more we step outside our comfort zone, the less uncomfortable it becomes". I would like for you all to think about that for a while, especially the next time the situation involves a bathing suit. If you commit to trying something on with an open mind, simply to see if it suits you or not, then your inner critic is removed from the equation. Which basically means that when something doesn't work, it's not because you're a failure; it just means you've gotta keep on going (outside that comfort zone) until you find something that makes you look and feel great. And that will happen if you keep at it, I guarantee!! 

Hope you all are ready to tell your inner critic to shut up, and to start making changes towards a more confident, self-assured life style. Whether you're already a master at it or not so much, remember that change and improvement are always possible, so up and at 'em!!!

For more information on the book and the research involved, visit: http://theconfidencecode.com

New Followers

I love it when I get notifications of new followers. It’s so nice to know that the message is being shared, and that we have more and more people committed to spreading the word. I truly believe in making big changes one person at a time!

Every now and again, I get a follower that is not within my direct network. And that always sparks my interest. I’m always looking for answers regarding what lead them to me or to my blog; and what their feedback on this entire process is. And yes, I have a space for comments on my blog page. (It’s not like I’m trying to avoid feedback!) And anyone is free to comment on our Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram pages, but I guess I can’t be too hard on people whose feedback I don’t receive. I myself do not have a habit of commenting on every single thing I like. Anyway, perhaps I could make a stronger point to you all that I’m looking for, and will very much value your feedback! But that’s not what I wanted to talk about today.

So, back to new followers. Just recently, I got a notification that Aquadual had added me to their circle. As the curious human being I am, I went to see what who they were. What I discovered was a type of swimsuit that I’d actually discussed with a previous client, but hadn’t actually ever seen before. Now, are you all as curious as I am?

Turns out that Aquadual had a really cool idea. They do is sell a type of swimsuit that goes from a one to two piece (AKA the Multikini), which you could wear according to your mood. Check this out:

Just a few months ago I had a client who loves bikinis, but felt self conscious about walking to and from the water in one. My suggestion to her was to find a bikini that she liked, and get a tankini top that would match it. That way she could have her tan and hide it too! Had I known about Aquadual then, I would have definitely have suggested it to her.

What a great piece! Feeling a bit bloated? Then pull that bottom all the way up! Want to tan that stomach? Then fold it all the way down! Neither here nor there? Not a problem, that's an option too!! Check out their video to see how it works.

So, my new follower has actually opened my horizons. And Aquadual has also expanded their circle. Sounds to me like yet another step taken towards that big change. Isn't that great?

Have a great weekend everyone!! 

Coincidence? Maybe, Maybe Not!

It hardly seems possible, but lent is almost over. Not that we don’t reflect on our lives and ourselves during the rest of the year, but this period especially is meant for that. As lent wraps up for me, I come to see how much reflection I actually did during this time. And, like Christ, I’m feeling ready to be reborn!

I caught myself in the past few weeks reflecting a lot about what I write. I often wonder if my message is really getting through, and if anything I have said so far has actually changed someone’s point of view or opinion, or perhaps even encouraged them to try something different. And, if the answer to all those is yes, then has the impact been a positive one?

The thing about coincidences is, they probably happen way more frequently than we think. But usually when we find ourselves lost in our thoughts we’re looking for unspoken answers to our questions, for signs that will either give you the push you’re looking for to go off in that path, or that red light that comes on telling you to step on the breaks. Either way, it was during one of my reflecting moments that I received a facebook notification. My sister had tagged me in a link to an online article.

Click Here For Full Article

Now, I understand not all of you speak or read Portuguese, but if you look at the article, you’ll know exactly what it is about. 37 different women, 37 different shapes, sizes and styles, and but all with the same result: FABULOUS!

The article was great, but reading the people’s comments about it really did it for me. Almost everyone’s comments were: 

•        how great it was to see pictures of “everyday women” in their swimsuits;
•        how great they all looked;
•        how important it was to wear something that makes you feel great about yourself;
•        positive comments on the different prints, shapes and types of swimsuits

 And finally, my favorite part:

•  for every snarky comment about the article, there were at least 3 responses with compliments and positive remarks! How proud I was to read all that!!

And there I had it: it may not be me specifically that everyone is listening to; but there is a wave of multiplication, spreading out the idea that we all look great in our swimsuits, and that we should celebrate that and ourselves every change we get. How’s that for rebirth? :)

OK, so perhaps my experience wasn’t exactly like Jesus and the resurrection, but you all have to admit, it was a pretty cool coincidence!  And if you think about it, receiving a sign that what you’re doing is generating a positive impact makes you feel like a million bucks. And gives you the strength to continue on your journey, which a lot of times the less traveled one.

Hope the bunny brings you all lots of love and good cheers, and that you keep on finding signs that encourage you to follow your hearts and dreams. Happy Easter, you all!!