Tell your story #63 finding confidence in my own skin

Hello ladies sharing my story

Tell Your Story – Finding Confidence in My Own Skin

We all have a story that shaped who we are today. Mine is about how I built confidence and learned to love myself after years of struggling with how I looked and sounded. It may not sound like a big deal to some people, but to me, it was a battle that broke me.

For a long time, I never liked how slim I was. I would look at other girls who had weight and wonder why I couldn’t look like them. I often felt left out, even when no one said anything to me directly. Sometimes, people made jokes about my body without realizing how deep it cut. They would say things like, “You’re too slim,” or “Do you even eat?” and laugh it off. To them it's just a normal joke but But deep inside, I felt embarrassed. I started believing that maybe something was wrong with me.

Then came my voice. I used to think my voice wasn’t beautiful enough. I felt it was too light, too calm, or not as “sweet” as the voices of others I admired. Whenever I spoke in public or even during normal conversations, I would worry about how I sounded. This made me keep quiet most times because I didn’t want to be judged or laughed at. Slowly, I began losing confidence in myself. I didn’t want to stand out in any way. I just wanted to blend in and not draw attention.

Father

At some point, depression crept in without me realizing it. I started avoiding mirrors, gatherings, and pictures. I became overly conscious of everything I wore. Before stepping out, I would spend too much time picking clothes that I thought would make me look “better.” I was never truly satisfied. No matter how much people complimented me, I couldn’t see the beauty they were seeing. It was like I was trapped in a body I didn’t appreciate.

But as time went on, something in me began to change. I got tired of feeling less. I got tired of hiding behind self-doubt and negative thoughts. I began questioning myself, “Why should I keep living this way?” That question made me reflect deeply. I came to understand I was the only one standing in my own way. I was the one who gave other people’s opinions too much power over my life and happiness.

Then I decided to work on my confidence, taking little steps. It didn’t happen overnight, but I started by looking at my selfies or mirror every and whispering kind words to myself. At first, I felt strange, but I kept doing it. It seem it wasn't working but I kept trying I would say things like, Etoro-abasi “You are beautiful,” You are enough, You deserve love and happiness. No one can do it like you do and that's your super power Slowly, those words began to sink in. I began to believe them.

Another thing that helped me was surrounding myself with positive people friends who didn’t mock or judge me, but rather saw the good in me. Those people made me realize that beauty isn’t just about the Physical body. But the confidence and light that shines within. When I started focusing on my inner self instead of comparing my looks with others, I felt lighter.

I also learned to use my voice, the same voice I once thought was a weakness. I started singing, reading , and speaking more confidently I found comfort saying I didn't create myself I believed my maker did to stand me out The more I used my voice, the more I realized it wasn’t ugly it was mine. And that made it special. I embraced it with love and contentment just then whenever someone complimented my voice, I understood my uniqueness was never a flaw. It was something to be proud of.

Another big win in my journey was learning to dress for my eye , not for people I stopped trying to wear what would please others or what I thought looked good in their eyes and started choosing clothes that made me feel comfortable and confident. Whether I wore something casual or stylish, I made sure it reflected my personality who I want to be seen and how I want to be seen That change in mindset helped me feel more beautiful, not just because of the clothes, but because I started seeing myself differently.

Through this experience, I discovered that self-love is not automatic it is something you have to build intentionally. You can’t wait for people to validate you because their opinions will keep changing. The real power lies in how you see yourself.
Right now when people talk or make comments, about my body or voice I no longer let it get to me deeply. I have learned to care less about what people think and focus more on what makes me happy. I smile more, I speak willingly, and I carry myself with confidence. I’m not perfect, and I still have moments of doubt, and depression but I’ve come too far to go back to that insecure version of myself.

One thing I have learnt from this whole journey is that confidence is not about having the perfect body or voice but accepting who you are, your imperfections and all. It’s about standing even when others try to bring you down. knowing that your worth isn’t tied to anyone’s approval. Once you start believing in yourself, you’ll notice how everything else begins to align

Looking back, to how I started I’m grateful for the struggle because it helped build my strength. If I hadn’t faced that insecurity, I might not have learned how powerful self-acceptance is. Now, I try to encourage others who feel the same way. I remind them that no one else can be you, and that’s your greatest advantage.

my story of how I found confidence in pain, how I turned insecurity into self-love, and how learned to embrace my slim body and unique voice. To me that's my blessing in disguise I’m still growing, learning, and still becoming a better version of myself each passing day. And if there’s one thing I can leave you with, it is this: never let people's perceptions define your worth. You are just enough, as you are.

That’s my story I was once a shy and self-conscious girl to someone who now has peace by loving myself unapologetically.

Inviting @kwinberry @ukpono @mercybliss to participate