With a small apprehensive smile as model Amy Willerton flipped her hair showing the camp mates her 'signature look', Rebecca retreated to privacy and announced that she had "never been one of the pretty girls". Clearly upset with her lack of confidence, she later highlighted that she had received abusive tweets about her appearance during her Olympic triumph- an astonishing discovery considering all she has achieved for the UK in 2012.
Confidence has been a forever desired attribute amongst women and young girls particularly over the past 10 years- with the constant development of modern technology and access to the Internet, young women, like me, are thrown into a sea of criticism and unrealistic expectations from the media on how we should be and look. After the Olympic medallists media break down, the concept of 'confidence' has come to light. What does it really mean? Is it essential for complete happiness? and does it effect the way we live our lives?
Having had confidence issues myself at some points in my life, I am aware of the psychological repercussions it can have. Weight, body shape, facial features and petty imperfections that go unnoticed, I would worry about appearance every day, not realising the qualities I already had which made me beautiful as an individual.
Yes, you can get through life with no confidence, but your quality of life would be questionable. It isn't until you acknowledge the beautiful qualities you already possess that your true confidence will shine. In relation to Rebecca, all that she has achieved and the thousands of young girls that look up to her is a quality that makes her beautiful and inspiring.
After all, it's your personality and the way you interact with others that create your friendships, bonds and relationships- people that bring out the best in you and your beauty within. Surround yourself with people you admire and love; as my mum has always said to me, "fill your life with positive people, get rid of the drainers". After all, who wants to be friends with someone with all looks and no personality? Looks fade but brains and personality are forever.
However from personal experience, I feel that confidence comes with age and life experience. Moving away from home and going to university was a prospect that petrified me. Living for myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone has dramatically increased my awareness of the importance of independence and the concept of confidence. Putting myself out there has made me realise that sometimes, confidence can be considered as just standing on your own two feet- independent and free.
Alongside your life choices, taking a risk here and there and making yourself think, 'I actually did that' will slowly but surely boost your confidence- or you can take the big step like I did!
Lastly, boyfriends- a subject going through every teenage girls minds at some point. Being in a superficial relationship based on looks is never going to work- maybe for celebrities that want to create a media storm, but realistically, it's a recipe for disaster. With young girls increasingly being controlled in relationships alongside the rise of domestic abuse; a boyfriend should fulfil your life, not drain it. They should support you on the road to achieving true confidence, as I have learnt. Luckily, I am in a relationship that has boosted my confidence to the highest it's ever been- telling me I'm beautiful when I'm at my worst and being loved unconditionally. Somebody I don't have to rely upon to be happy, but boosts my confidence when I need it and the belief in myself.
Confidence shines from within. Regardless of what dress size you are, body shape, or what you look like at all; confidence will blossom when surrounded by the right people and the life choices you make. It's not until you step away from the mirror and look within that you will discover true beauty.
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