During the “blogging responsibly” panel at FitBloggin’ this weekend, something clicked.  I wouldn’t call it an epiphany or revelation, but all of a sudden I consciously realized something I think I already knew: blogging has completely changed the way I see myself for the better.

This came about during a panel where we basically discussed the responsibilities of bloggers as experts and role models to their readers. I mentioned that I know I have a relatively young readership (I’ve heard from readers of all ages, but I think many are teenagers), and to be honest, I think that knowing that fact has turned me into a more confident person. Let me explain.

I’ll freely admit that I don’t always love what I see in the mirror, but I think that’s normal. Everyone feels inadequate at times, whether it’s about their body, their job, their social life, their family responsibilities or something else. I accept that these feelings of inadequacy are an emotion just like any other, usually the result of a bigger issue, but what I don’t accept is letting them win simply because it’s often easier to give into them than to overcome them. Just as our bodies and personalities and lives are not perfect, neither are our thoughts, so some negativity is inevitable. But in my opinion, the best way to turn that negativity around is to fake it ’till you make it; if you pretend you’re a more positive, confident person, you really will be.

Whenever I’m feeling down about myself for any reason, I consider what I’d tell a reader who asked me for advice in the same situation. I’d tell them not to be so hard on themselves, that nobody is perfect, and that while we all make mistakes, they don’t make you a bad person. I’d want to build them up! These things sound so cliched, but that’s only because of how true they are, and if I believe them about others, why won’t I believe them about myself? Blogging has made me realize that my attitude has the power to affect others just as if affects me, and that if I’m going to preach self-love, I need to live it.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 
- Marianne Williamson, as quoted by Nelson Mandela

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How’s that for a word-heavy post to start your Monday morning?! Thankfully breakfast won’t require much processing ;)
Kashi GoLean with SunWarrior, peanut butter, blueberries and almond milk- duh!! I had to have my favorite breakfast since I won’t be enjoying it for another week.
What event, experience or person has had the biggest impact on the way you see yourself? If you have a blog, do you think that having a space to express yourself and influence others has made you a more confident person?