Embrace yourself! Embrace confidence!

It's time to embrace your confidence and celebrate your true self!

Young women strive to be perfect. For all of history, emulating your favorite celebrities in magazines or today, their favorite influencers on social media was a good place to start. Thirty years ago, taking after the ultra-skinny models who wore size 00 and had rich men pining after you was the goal. Ten years ago, the peak of beauty shifted to curvier bodies like the Kardashians—goodbye ultra-skinny, hello big butts and tiny waists. And just like the Kardashians body type their life style was and still is idolized. Who needs a rich man when you can just make an empire and become a billionaire? The thought of becoming so rich and on your own has now entered the chat. Today, despite our efforts to be hyper-inclusive, that ultra-skinny ideal is making a comeback and this time there is no throwing out the magazine when you're tired of comparisons. Unfortunately, these images are inescapable, saturating everything from fashion campaigns featuring unattainable beauty to Ozempic advertisements promoting quick-fix weight loss solutions. Images of flawless bodies paired with luxurious lifestyles dominate social media, billboards, television, and computer screens through relentless commercials and advertisements.

As a young woman who technically belongs to the Gen-Z generation, I've come to realize that the irresistible allure of social media makes it nearly impossible not to participate. Being part of a community in today's world often means being on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. While these social media apps offer opportunities to learn and connect, they also pose risks of self-harm. The addictive and unfiltered nature of these platforms often presents unattainable beauty and lifestyle standards, which can contribute to feelings of depression and self-hate.

My goal is to help you understand why you or your child may feel compelled to strive to be something else or “more”, and to nurture confidence and self-acceptance. In a world dominated by screen time, I can provide strategies to reduce your exposure and regain control over the content you consume. While we may not be able to completely remove phones from our lives, we can tackle the broader issue of self-confidence, a journey that spans a lifetime. Whether it involves setting guidelines for app usage, curating your social media feed, or incorporating daily affirmations, we will collaborate to cultivate a sense of pride in your true self. These practices will also promote living in the present and appreciating your inherent worth and values.

I believe that being a woman is challenging, and being a teenage girl is even more so. Let me support you in uncovering the root causes of your or your loved one's insecurities, and channel this understanding into cultivating self-love and being proud to take up space as your authentic self!

Set the example by loving yourself first!