Much love, Shaudeh Farjami

Confidence is a mindset. It is completely up to you as an individual to design it and live by it. I find that my biggest regrets are not saying hi, not shooting that text, not asking that question in class, or not putting myself out there. In other words, my biggest regrets root in situations where I do not fully take advantage of an opportunity. Show up everyday as the highest version of yourself. What would that version of yourself do? 

That version of Shaudeh says the joke out loud, even if it only has a 50/50 chance of landing. That version of Shaudeh wears the outfit instead of staring at the mirror far too long, only to tear herself apart and change her top. That version of Shaudeh initiates conversation and approaches others, instead of standing on the sideline. That version of Shaudeh asks to grab lunch, because what does she have to lose other than forging a new friendship. That version of Shaudeh does not fall back on old patterns solely because they are familiar. That version of Shaudeh is not distracted—she has dreams to chase, not people to impress. That version of Shaudeh never feels guilty for starting again, assured that she will attract who and what she is ready for. She is confident, she is assertive, and she is encouraged. She does not over analyze, she takes action. She goes with her gut and goes with a flow, because people with good hearts have a glow. Individuals glow differently when their confidence is charged by self-love and self-encouragement, rather than validation from society.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for. The moment you decide to quit chasing people that are not meant for you, the right people will catch you. You will not grow or advance if you are too comfortable. Push the boundaries, push the limits, push the fences. It all comes down to channeling the energy that you want to attract and accepting that the reward of opening up to others is greater than the risk. Get out there. When you are authentically vulnerable with others, they will reciprocate. Yes, I know this is something I am still struggling with myself. I can tell you this… great things never come from comfort zones. If it comes, let it. If it goes, let it. I rarely regret opening myself up, but always regret keeping quiet.

Here’s what’s got to go— excuses, the pressure to control everything, worrying about what happened last weekend, being too intimidated to approach others, dependency on social media, hyper focus on becoming “That girl”, and unhealthy relationships. Be open to change, be open to new people, because what is meant to be will always find a way.

Picture the highest version of yourself. Act like her. Show up as her. The highest version of Shaudeh decided to move out to Los Angeles mid-year. The highest version of Shaudeh surrounds herself with five roommates who encourage her to meet new people. The highest version of Shaudeh carves out time to visit her family. The highest version of Shaudeh is driven in the classroom. The highest version of Shaudeh shoots that shot.

Much love,

Shaudeh Farjami