Let me tell you a story… I always felt like I struggled to speak articulately and could never think of the “right words” to describe what I meant. I was told countless times by many different people that I was awful at communication and I believed it. I would get nervous to speak to new people (or even friends/family I hadn’t seen in a while) as I feared I would say the wrong thing and they would become offended or think I’m stupid.
I reached out to a life coach to help me work through this issue. What we discovered was happening is my nervous system would go into freeze mode, my brain would go blank and I didn’t have the confidence to say what I wanted to say so I’d say nothing at all. I would feel like I was constantly walking on eggshells and could never truly express myself. I wasn’t being authentic to myself and it was taking a toll on me.
I am slowly overcoming this and realized that no matter how I show up, people will judge me anyways so I might as well be the real me. It’s definitely easier said than done but I’m noticing a shift in my confidence and I’m able to express myself a little bit more every day.
What I Learned – The importance of being true to yourself and not allowing others’ opinions dictate how you should feel
I am not responsible for how others feel; regardless of what words are exchanged or decisions made by each individual. I always speak from a place of love with good intentions and it’s not my fault if they feel triggered. That’s not my shit to take in. As an empath, I can feel it but it’s not mine to heal. It’s been freeing to accept this concept as truth and step into my authenticity. As I look back on my life, I can confidently say that the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to be true to myself. At times, we all feel the pressure to conform and adjust our behaviour to fit in with those around us. I grew up always wanting to fit in with the popular crowd but never felt good enough. By staying authentic to who I am, I feel more empowered.
Understanding Your Worth – Recognizing that your value is not determined by what others think of you
It’s important to remember that your worth is not defined by what others think of you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation or approval from others, but at the end of the day, you are the only one who truly knows your worth. So take some time to recognize your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities. Embrace your individuality and don’t be afraid to stand out. Remember, you are awesome just the way you are!
Take Action – Empowering yourself to take ownership of your feelings and express them authentically
It’s time to take action and start owning your feelings. It’s so easy to let others dictate how we feel or to suppress our emotions altogether, but it’s time to change that. It’s time to empower yourself and take control of your emotional well-being by expressing yourself authentically. Another lesson I learned was that I was suppressing a lot of emotions and It’s okay to allow them in. Emotions get stuck in the body and movement is a great way to feel them. It’s okay to ask for help and that’s what we’re here for at Iron X Fitness. Disclaimer: we are not therapists but we are movement coaches that can help you release some emotions through pole dance.
Break Free from Fear – Breaking free from the fear of what other people might think or say about you
Let’s talk about fear. Specifically, the fear of what others might think or say about you. It’s fear that holds many of us back and keeps us from pursuing our dreams or even just being our true selves. But the truth is, what others think or say about us is out of our control. We can’t please everyone and we shouldn’t try to. It’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it affect us. So go ahead, break free from that fear of judgment, and live your life unapologetically. Your happiness and well-being are worth it. Whether it’s standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, or simply saying how you truly feel, it’s important to let your voice be heard.
Speak Up – Being brave enough to speak up for yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable
Let’s face it, speaking up can be scary as heck. Whether it’s asking for help or telling your friend they’ve hurt your feelings, it’s natural to feel a little uncomfortable stepping out of your comfort zone. But here’s the thing – speaking up is vital for healthy relationships and personal growth. Without voicing our thoughts and feelings, we risk being misunderstood or even worse, resentful. So next time you find yourself holding back, take a deep breath and remember that being brave enough to speak up is a true sign of strength. Your feelings are valid and deserve to be heard.
It’s been an incredible journey learning this invaluable lesson throughout this past year. I’m grateful for my circle and proud of myself for having the courage to change.
All this to say stop being scared of voicing your ideas or being judged by others – instead shift your focus onto appreciating yourself and celebrating your unique story. If you’re looking for a supportive and brave space filled with people ready to embrace their stories, then join us at Iron X Fitness! We are all on this empowerment journey together to own our energy.
Written by Karolyne – Owner of Iron X Fitness
