Real Life Wednesday – Episode 40

The Changes We Don't See Coming

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to Real Life Wednesday, Episode 40.

Today, I'm flipping the script.

Technically, today was supposed to be Tip Tuesday, but that just wasn't how I was feeling. I have to listen to myself, especially when I'm asking you to listen to yourself, too.

What was really on my heart was sharing a Real Life Wednesday episode with you today.

This is a vulnerable episode, and I hope it encourages you to recognize your growth and take a moment to celebrate yourself.

I've Been Thinking...

I've been thinking a lot lately about how much I've changed, especially because people keep telling me that they see a change in me.

Honestly, I can't tell you exactly when it started.

There wasn't one moment when I suddenly became more comfortable in my own skin.

It was a lot of little things happening over time.

For a while, I didn't enjoy what I saw when I looked in the mirror.

It wasn't necessarily because I was worried about what everyone else thought.

I simply wasn't comfortable with what I saw, and I wasn't comfortable in my clothes.

And what we wear can affect how we carry ourselves and, ultimately, how we show up in life.

When Self-Image Affects Everything Else

When my clothes didn't fit well, I didn't feel comfortable or feel like myself.

I felt less confident.

That didn't stay limited to getting dressed.

It began to affect how I showed up in other areas of my life as well.

I didn't go out as much.

I didn't feel ready to advertise my business.

I didn't feel as comfortable putting myself in front of a camera.

What can I say?

It just started to snowball.

The Little Things Started to Change

But somewhere along the way, things began to change.

I started finding clothes that fit me well and helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin.

And most of them were thrifted.

I didn't need to spend lots of money or wait until my body looked a certain way.

I needed clothes that supported the person I am today.

Building a Stronger Foundation

I also started spending time in Scripture every day.

That has changed the way I think and the way I see myself.

It reminds me to see myself more through the way God sees me and to remember how precious I am to Him.

We don't always have people around us who remind us of our worth.

Sometimes the voices around us speak more about our shortcomings than our strengths.

When that happens often enough, it can influence how we see ourselves.

Spending time with God is helping me build my view of myself on a stronger foundation.

Looking Back

And then there have been other little changes.

I've been walking more.

I've lost some weight, and not because I went on some crazy diet.

I recorded a video for YouTube, which I will post sometime soon-ish.

I've become more comfortable hearing my own voice and seeing myself on video without cringing.

People have told me before that I was beautiful, but I couldn't really see what they saw.

Now, I think I'm beginning to see it for myself.

Not because I suddenly became a completely different person.

And not because everything about my appearance changed.

I think I'm finally becoming more comfortable with the person God created me to be.

And that comfort has changed the way I show up in life.

Choosing Joy

Now I show up with more confidence.

That doesn't mean I'm always 100 percent confident, of course.

Sometimes you simply take however much confidence you have, pair it with some courage and strength, and off you go.

I would also say that, overall, I'm more joyful.

I don't mean happy, because happiness often depends on what's happening around us.

Joy is different.

Even when life is difficult, I can still choose joy.

I'm not saying that's always easy.

But my faith has made a tremendous difference.

Spending time in God's Word every day has changed the way I think, the way I respond, and the way I see myself.

A Celebration of You

The changes may have looked small while they were happening, but together they have changed so much.

As I share my journey with you, I want to invite you to celebrate your own.

Take a moment to think about the changes that have happened in your life.

You can look back over the past week, the past month, the past year, or even several years.

Where have you grown?

What has changed?

What feels different now?

Take a moment to acknowledge how far you've come, whatever area of life that may be.

You can write it down if that helps.

Or, if you have a hard time seeing the changes for yourself, ask a trusted friend, a family member, or someone who knows you well what they see.

Sometimes other people recognize our growth before we do.

So today, take a moment to notice it, acknowledge it, and celebrate it.

Closing

Thank you for spending a little bit of your day with me.

Until next time, I will see you for Tip Tuesday.

Until then, I hope today's story helps you create a little more clarity, feel a little more calm, and have a little more confidence. 💜💚