You know those moments when you easily feel your true authentic self? Truly at ease in your skin, where confidence wasn't just a word but your reality? Why are they so hard to think of? As I sit to write this blog, I find myself struggling right now with this question myself. It seems far easier to recall a time where I didn't feel quite right, rather than those golden moments of true self-acceptance and joy. Why is it that we are so quick to critique ourselves, yet hesitate to acknowledge our own worth?
This reminds me of an experience with a group of incredibly successful women I was coaching. When asked to list five things they loved about themselves, they quickly answered not with self-praise but self-criticism. It struck me how freely we offer love and kindness to others, yet how sparingly we do so towards ourselves.
The night I recall most recently when I felt like my true self was when I did a soft launch of the cYou Boutique. It was at a women’s conference I was hosting and I didn’t share anything about the boutique ahead of time. I stressed about everything leading up to the event. I was hosting the event for very special women in mortgage banking and I wanted it to be very nice from the swag bags, the speakers, the decor and for them to feel very special for attending. On top of it, I wanted to see how they would respond to my boutique. It felt like a safe space to do a soft launch and really get a feeling if this is something I should be doing going forward or was it a little crazy. I put a lot of pressure on that night. If nothing sold, I would cut my losses and try to determine why I felt called to do this. If I had some sales, I knew I was on the right path and would continue to learn and grow. You know the mind games we play with ourselves, the deals we make with ourselves and the validation we often seek that we are on the right path.
There are those moments when everything just clicks—when our outer expression perfectly matches our inner essence. For me, feeling my best often requires me loving the outfit I am going to wear, I have to feel comfortable in it and a bit elevated. That evening I I chose a graphic t shirt to represent the conference and it felt in some way a representation of gratitude and humbleness. I picked a sequin skirt to represent the bold move and also the dream I have always had to open a boutique. I also added a little more than necessary jewelry to my outfit (jewelry always is fun to me and what would this be if I didn’t add fun to it).
That night arrived and I didn’t think about the clothes I would sell. I was thinking that I was proud of myself to finally do what I have been dreaming about and how blessed I was to have my daughter beside me and my incredible team to help me with the vision. I was loving how easy it was to make an initial conversation with people I hadn’t met before the conference, how effortless it was for women to offer up about something they feel insecure about, and to see a group of women rally around her to convince her they too struggle or how beautiful that really is about them. I was having fun while talking about fashion, and, most importantly, witnessing the powerful bond of community. The women around me were not seeking fashion advice; they were seeking affirmation, not from the mirror but from trusted voices within their circle. I wasn’t thinking about strategy or planning conversations, I was just present, having fun and feeling blessed.
This experience was proof again that our choice of attire can be an incredible source of power and confidence. It's a testament to the fact that when we wear what truly represents us, we invite an energy that is both liberating and connecting. It also made me realize the boutique was never really just about the clothes, it truly was a way for me to help bridge the connections with women, to help them feel great about themselves and to let them know we see them, we hear them, and we love them.
It was an emotional experience and it is so funny to think about. The thing that held me back so many years from opening a boutique is that I thought others would think it was not important enough. I am now finding it is too important not to.
Can you recall a time when an outfit not only represented who you are but also empowered you to feel more alive, confident, and connected? Your stories are an inspiration, a narrative of resilience, identity, and beauty. Share your moments with us, and let's celebrate the power of being unapologetically ourselves—together.
In sharing, we not only affirm the strength found in our individual stories but also reinforce the bonds of our collective experience.
My personal email is cg@cyou.love and I would love to cYou email me and share your story!
Love,
Cyndi
P.S. We nearly sold out of everything that evening!