My unpopular opinions about confidence
What the Instagram pop-psychologists miss
Confidence is not reserved for thin, able-bodied people. Western society’s obsession with both of those things makes it seem like to be confident, we must be under a size 12 and healthy. This is ableist, fatphobic and rooted in white supremacy. Confidence is a skill anyone can learn to make their life better, not something reserved for certain body types or abilities.
There is no level to get to in life where someone is suddenly worthy of confidence and believing in themselves. Start telling yourself you deserve confidence now, even if you’re not where you want to be.
Being confident does not absolve us from experiencing trauma, discrimination, abuse or microaggressions, and is not a replacement for large-scale political change. Inner healing and advocacy should go hand in hand.
Being confident does not mean we erase all self-doubt, or that all our ‘negative’ feelings like sadness, anger or fear go away. Being confident makes doubt easier to navigate, but it doesn’t absolve us from experiencing regular human life challenges and emotions.
Sending love you work of art,
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👋🏻what I’ve been up to:
Dealing with a chronic illness flare, along with finally taking ownership of my mental health struggles. Recently got diagnosed with anxiety and depression and looking into taking medication. Let’s go mental health!
Enjoy the slow Vancouver summer life; going for picnics, painting on the balcony, reading and sleeping lots. I just finished Jennette Mccurdy’s memoir: I’m Glad My Mom Died. Couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days! Definitely worth a read!
Working to make the world a more inclusive place for queer and Jewish folks. Just joined a special Advisory Board for the Ontario Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN), to assist them in better understanding the diverse digital needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, and then they will use this information will then be used to inform their work with key stakeholders.