Say Goodbye to Embarrassment--Embrace Yourself Instead!

I had lunch with one of my mentors, the lovely Lisa Bloom yesterday and we talked about something that sparked my interest: embarrassment—and how young adults seem to be consumed by it. I thought it about after and I think it’s true. How often are you worrying about your outfit, your weight, or the comments you make? Embarrassment is more than just falling on your face (trust me, I’ve done that a few times), it’s also the nagging worry about how others perceive you. Some have it worse than others, but I don’t know any young adult who isn’t mildly self-conscious. That’s not always a bad thing, but when it prevents you from taking risks or discovering ultimate happiness, that’s when we need to call Houston. There’s a problem.Here are some potential Sunny Signs that your ego may be a little too embarrassed:1. You feel like you never have the right clothes. You might change your outfit 5 times.2. You think about a comment you made off the cuff for hours, or days after you said it.3. You’re constantly looking in the mirror.4. You obsess about eating and exercising because if you feel even remotely heavy you won’t feel confident.5. You analyze time spent with a friend or romantic partner in great detail after the occasion.6. You seek constant reaffirmation to confirm that you’re on the good side.7. You’re always agreeing with people, even if you feel completely the opposite.8. You’re quiet because you don’t want to say or do the wrong thing.9. You’re afraid to try new things because you don’t want to look stupid.10. You don’t participate in class because you’re worried that your answer is incorrect.Well, I’ve got news for you a la Katy Perry. Baby, you’re a firework! So you might as well shine. Whether you’re a natural wallflower or a sunflower, find ways to stand out so that others don’t stomp all over you. Everyone has unique ways to contribute—in conversation, in mutual experiences, and talents—so don’t hold back!The truth is, no one cares about you in the great detail that you might. No one notices the freckle on your nose (at least not in the way that you could find it annoying) and no one cares that you gained 0.6 pounds today—or that you lost that much, either. It’s all in your head.Be proud of you. People will love you more for being a talking, reasoning, and rational person than for being a person who maybe could use a touchup on their highlights or who could afford to lose 10 pounds. People have their own problems—yours aren’t theirs.Rather than feeling embarrassed, embrace yourself!Keep shining,The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook Follow me on Twitter by clicking here.