Molly "Confidence & Beauty" // Louisville, IL Senior, Images by Loker Photography of Effingham, IL

So many people struggle in this culture on being "themselves". So I asked one of my senior models to write a blog on confidence and beauty. One of the reasons why I asked Molly to write this is 1) because I've known her for a while now and her heart is just beautiful 2) her confidence not cockiness 3) her life is a light that shines bright.  

Not only is she just a stunning young lady, but full of wisdom. Read her words below and be starstruck. I simply chose her because her beauty is more than her stunning looks but her heart. That is what really is beautiful. America has gotten it all wrong all the while belittling others for not looking like Hollywood.  Any who, enjoy!!!

Here is a link to her blog: http://mollyrinehart.com

Nathan Loker

Be Bold, Be Confident, Be You!!

"You look so pretty today!" 

"That picture of you was STUNNING!"

"You are #goals."

Typical responses to these compliments: 

"psht. Yeah right." 

"Not really."

"Haha um..okay."

Taking a compliment is almost a chore nowadays. People hand out kind words and we push them away. Telling them "you're lying" or "you must be blind." Why is it so hard for us to accept a nice gesture like that?
For some it's the fear of sounding conceited or, in other other words, "cocky." 

I believe the correct vocabulary word for that is confidence. And yes, it's okay to have some! It's okay to be radiating with it. It's more than okay! It's life-changing.

Confidence is something everyone struggles with. You may not realize it, but not being able to say a simple "thank you" when someone compliments you is a sign you have low confidence. There are so many ways to overcome this. And it's so important that you try. 

As far as girls go, we spend countless hours in front of a mirror trying to impress everyone but ourselves. If you aren't happy with yourself then there is no true purpose for all that time and effort. Before you can go out and kick butt as a person, you have to feel like a million dollars. 

Feeling like a million dollars is different than wearing a million dollars. You don't need that Kate Spade handbag to be accepted. And boys, you don't need that fresh pair of kicks. Wear what you feel comfortable in - no matter the price. 

Commercials, movies, and TV are the worst anymore. We live in a world where sex sells. Don't fall in that trap, ladies and gents. It is NOT what's on the outside that counts. It's not about showing skin or being provocative. It's about modesty and intelligence. It's about respect for yourself and for others. 

Speaking of modesty, modest is not hottest. Modest is beautiful. You cannot be society's definition of "hot" while remaining modest. However, you have every right to fall underneath the category of beautiful. 

Makeup and muscles. Two things that kill us. Girls, you don't need makeup to be beautiful but I completely understand the want. We are shown pictures and makeup tutorials of women with flawless skin. Boys, you don't need a body like Channing Tatum to be considered "attractive." Guys are led to believe that's what girls are looking for just because it is in the movies. Being "jacked" or having perfect makeup shouldn't be the expectation. The expectation should be what's on the inside. 

Confidence is hindered by the constant need to compare ourselves to others. You are unique. You are beautiful. You are you. And trust me, you have a purpose. 

Surround yourself with people who help boost your confidence instead of tear you down. You may not realize it, but your peers have such a huge influence on the way you view yourself. The most difficult part is letting go of those who seem to limit your growth. You don't need to stop talking to them altogether, but you should really consider finding people who support you and lift you up. Sometimes the kindest of people aren't necessarily in with the "popular" crowd. That's when you have to ask the question of what means more - your happiness or your social status?

Life becomes so much easier when you love yourself. You won't be constantly beating yourself up or dragging yourself down over simple mistakes or not meeting what today's society calls #goals.

Not only will life be easier, but you will be so much more attractive in a relationship. You’ll be more stable and able to handle tough times better. You’ll be less needy and more of a natural giver. Being with you becomes simpler and a lighter experience with a lot less drama, arguments or fights based on little or nothing. And all of this is attractive in any relationships, not matter if it is with a friend or with a partner!

With all that being said, overcoming low self-esteem is a struggle. But it is extremely possible. 

Here are my top 5 tips for you girls out there who don't feel like the absolutely beautiful human being that you are:

1. When getting ready, turn on some dope songs that get you pumped about being a woman! My personal favorite include: Showstopper by Brandon & Leah, Who Says by Selena Gomez, Who You Are by Jessie J, God Made Girls by RaeLynn and my all-time favorite, Pretty Girl Rock by Keri Hilson. (Be sure to put that last one on the loudest volume possible.)
2. Stop wearing makeup all the time. I know it's difficult! But just going "naked" for a full day makes a huge difference. The less you wear makeup and feel comfortable in your natural skin, the more you "ooh" and "ahh" at your made up face. *major confidence booster*
3. Treat yo'self! By treating yourself, I don't mean going to the spa, getting your nails done and doing your hair all fancy. I mean cancelling all your plans for a date with yourself. Do things that make you happy and do them alone. Focus on yourself and really reflect on who you are as a person. 
4. When you are looking in the mirror criticizing yourself, take a step back. Think (and maybe even write down): What are 3 things that I appreciate about myself? This is also good to look back on when you're just having one of "those" days.
5. Laugh! This is self-explanatory. It's so important to learn to laugh more. And be sure to laugh at yourself!! Don't ever be embarrassed. Life is so short. When you laugh, you instantly become more happy. A happy you is a beautiful you. Plus, your smile is pretty cool too. 

And here are my top 5 tips for you guys out there who don't feel like the beast that they most definitely are:

1. Look in the mirror - literally say to yourself "I'm a beast." Puff up that chest and dominate. Trust me, the more times you say it, the more you will believe it. 
2. Listen to music when getting ready. This may be just a girl thing, but I can guarantee that it works for guys too. Listen to upbeat music that makes you feel like you could run 400 miles (but don't actually do that cause no one likes running.)
3. Treat yourself - guy style. Take a day to relax and do things that you enjoy. Make sure you do these things by yourself so you have time to think and work on yourself, but most of all, RELAX.
4. Same goes for you, boys. When you find yourself going through all the things you wish you could change about yourself, write down 3 things that you appreciate about yourself. Write them down so you can save them for those days when you don't feel like you are the bomb.com. 
5. Have fun! A lot of times guys are afraid they won't look as masculine if they do certain things. Life is too short to have regrets! Do everything you will have fun doing and don't care what anyone thinks. 

Go out and work on your confidence level. See the beautiful/handsome you that everyone else sees. 

xoxo

Molly Brianne