CONFIDENCE.

Today I have chosen to write quite a chatty blog post for you guys and it's about a topic that a lot of people struggle with: confidence. 

Confidence is a huge factor in life - you need it for a variety of activities and jobs etc. but it is something that doesn't necessarily come easily for everybody. Some people are naturally very confident and outgoing where as others aren't. 

I know that a lot of my friends are extremely confident and naturally outgoing but others, myself included, aren't. Over the past year or so, I have grown massively in confidence and my confidence levels have rocketed since being in year 9 two years ago. Of course, I'm still not as confident as some of my friends are but I feel like I'm a completely different person than I was back then. I'm not really sure what I want to get out of this post but I do know that I have learnt a lot over the past couple of years and I would like to share this with you. 

I think something that played a huge part in my increased confidence is my friends. I found friends that are super great and I get along with them all so well - and we're definitely all on the same wavelength (most of the time, anyway!). I found that, when you have a group of friends who you get on with so well and they get you, it's so easy to find that little bit of extra confidence - because you're instantly more comfortable around them! Gradually, you'll be around more and more people and your confidence will automatically grow - for example, you'll be with your friends and someone will come and join the conversation (it might be one of your friends' friends) and you might get on really well with them and it'll be easier to hold a conversation with them. The more comfortable you are when you're around people, the more confident you are likely to be in certain situations. 

BE YOURSELF. This is so important. Please, do NOT change yourself to fit in or fit the mould of somebody's 'perfect' person. I know that it's easier said than done (I've even fallen victim to this) but, honestly, it's not worth it. When you start to truly be yourself, you'll find that you're so much happier. Be yourself and embrace it. You'll be happier and if you're happier, you're more likely to find more confidence. It's all a little cycle! 

Be positive. Positivity is key, you guys. Say yes to more things, try new things, relax and have fun. You don't want to be negative and constantly thinking of every bad thing about whatever situation you're in, be optimistic! Have fun and chill out for a bit. Also, if you're optimistic and positive etc. you'll find that you're more comfortable around different people and doing new things - therefore more confident!

What's the worst that could happen? Ask yourself this. Instead of shutting yourself down or shutting yourself away from certain people or situations, test it out - try something new and think positive about it. 

And on that note, that is all of my little quick tips for finding confidence or increasing your confidence. I know that it obviously will not be the same for everybody but these are a few of the things that I would probably pin-point as things that helped me with my confidence. I truly hope this post has helped some of you and I do hope that you guys find happiness and confidence in yourselves and your lives.

Oh, here's a song that is super empowering and full of confidence to get you guys in the mood for your journey to increased confidence levels. Have fun!