As a kid, I could be painfully shy at times. 🙈
Not necessarily with my nearest and dearest, but defo to the external world.
Up until about 15, I was part of the crowd at school that only gets noticed for their quirks and awkwardness.
I remember hanging out in my small social group (which consisted of the kids of my parents’ mates) and one of the guys, who I really fancied, for some unknown reason asked “Carly, do you fart?” 💨
I was MORTIFIED and had NO idea what to say!
(These days I’d probably walk up to him and fart on his leg with a stoopid question like that).
I remember turning beetroot red and wanting the ground to swallow me up there and then. 😣
In fact, I remember my face turning red a fair bit back then, and I absolutely hated speaking in front of a crowd for things like school or uni assignments.
But for some unknown reason, one of the cool crowd at school came up to me one day, said I’d look pretty with make up on, and decided there and then to take me under her wing. 🪽
Nek minit, I’m wearing make up and going out with the “cool kids” (if drinking a bottle of cider behind the forum is “cool” haha…)
I remember being “schooled” in what was cool vs what wasn’t – like when I walked past a group and say “hiya!” all friendly like, and got told off by my new bestie who said we didn’t say “hiya”, we said “alright” with a shrug. 🤷🏼♀️
Way cooler, right? 🙄
Sometimes I wonder, what would have happened to painfully shy Carly, who was massively lacking confidence and would blush at the drop of a hat?
Where would I be now if I stayed shy?
I guarantee I wouldn’t have started this business or ever become a parole officer.
And for that, I’m truly grateful. 🥹
Because no matter how I got here, the more confident version of me speaks her truth, stands up for what’s right, and loves to help others become the more confident version of themselves.
So thanks to the “cool kids” for seeing something in me that I never saw in myself before they took me under their wing.
What’s the lesson in all of this?
You don’t need to wait for someone else to give you permission to be confident, “cool,” or worthy of being seen.
You can decide that for yourself. 🤗
If shy, awkward, beetroot-red-faced Carly can grow into someone who speaks her truth, runs a business, and helps others do the same – then you can absolutely rewrite your own story too. ✍🏻
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, one brave (and sometimes mortifying) step at a time.
As always, if you want a guide on your journey, drop me a message and let’s chat about how coaching and/or energy work can help.
Catcha on the flip side,
