Mind Matters
Confidence is an inside job.
Experience from our past leaves imprints. It can be minor events or major events, but how the experience made us feel matters.
In primary school I did competitive dance and I remember comments from kids saying “You think you’re so good!” and my response was “No I don’t.” I thought that other kids were thinking “I’m showing off” or that “I’m better than them.”
I definitely didn’t think I was better than anyone else, I was just being me; being a curious and having fun.
It’s interesting to reflect on the things that stick with us and initially you don’t even know where they came from. It has taken time, years, encouragement from confident role models, friends, family, partners, house mates, and it’s still a work in progress.
There were times I’d go bright tomato red when doing a presentation at Uni, or serving an attractive guy at the health food shop. Times I wouldn’t express my feelings even to those close to me as I was nervous about the response. Times that I didn’t articulate my boundaries or express my needs in a relationship as I didn’t have the confidence and conviction to say it out loud.
I have definitely evolved and grown, thanks to many life experiences and people. And It’s definitely still a work in progress though – I didn’t post this picture from 5 months ago because I didn’t want to shine my light too bright! The thought of “you think you’re so good” can still be there some days.
It’s interesting that one of my favourite things to do is encourage people to step out of the comfort zone, develop their confidence, to do what excites them and scares them.
It’s often the things you share that are the things you need most. So any way, if you read this far be patient with yourself, confidence grows. If you are ready to rise above the past experiences, to do the things that excite you and scare you too, trust your instincts and fly.
Love, Amelia
IG: amelia.schrader
Bio: Amelia Schrader is passionate about integrating more strength and stability into the yoga practice, sharing intelligently sequenced classes, injury prevention and teaching you how to create a practice that has longevity. Amelia’s classes will help you unlock your potential, encourage you to play and explore new and creative ways to move, breathe and connect. When not practising yoga Amelia can be found exploring the beauty of nature, either from her surfboard or hiking the wilds.