Lians Jadan via Unsplash

In a world full of naysayers, envy, judgment, and criticism, how do we stay rooted in who we are? How do we drown out the noise and stand upright in our confidence against these headwinds?

One way to combat this is to spend conscious, focused energy digging deep, discovering who you were made to be, what your natural strengths are (quirks included!). What truths have people said about you throughout the years? You're a good counselor? You're giving? Organized? Thoughtful? Joyous? Get out a journal and allow the thoughts to flow out on the paper. In that outpour lies the weapons to be used against the headwinds that may be coming at you.

Also, recognize when lies are spoken and truths are said, not only from those around us but also from the voice inside. An awareness of where we allow our thoughts to rest will afford us the opportunity to discover the difference between truth and sneaky lies born from criticisms, judgment, envy, and insecurities. This can be as simple as using a Note App on your phone and writing the lie down and then putting tally marks next to it every time you hear the lie. This builds awareness! Some examples of lies: “You’re fat already, might as well have another bowl of ice cream” or “Who do you think you are speaking up in a meeting? You’re just a new-hire!”. I know developing this awareness takes precious space in our already full thought-life, but ditching the lies that are taking up free rent will move us in the direction we were made to race. Honestly, I bet you will be surprised at how many lies have taken root. I know I was.

Let's become women of confidence and awareness, seekers of truth, rejector of lies. As one of my favorite Peloton instructors says,"Chin Up, Crown On!". We can do this.