A couple of weeks ago I read a rather wonderful blog post by a new blogger who has recently taken the plunge and started to post outfit photos of herself. It’s a recurring theme that I often see on the internet – women (especially midlife women) taking a deep breath and finally putting themselves out there. What they often don’t realise is that they’re not only doing something cathartic for themselves, but they’re potentially doing a LOT to help and inspire others.
The blogger was Sharon of Best Before End Date (great blog name!) and her blog post The Positive Side of Social Media & How It’s Helped My Confidence was poignant for many reasons. It echoed the voice of so many women who have lost confidence in themselves and in their appearance, women who have been afraid of social media and the negativity that so often precedes it. Sharon gave me and several other bloggers a lovely shout out as women who have inspired her to simply give it a go – she mentioned the post I wrote after being trolled on Facebook had disheartened her but wanted to do it anyway.
And the wonderful thing was this: Sharon not only received positive comments about herself and her outfit, but she started to receive comments about how she, in turn, had inspired others (she’d posted the outfit on her Instagram as well).
What she said was so touching: “At this point I’d like to say don’t expect daily #whatimwearingtoday posts. Little steps! I don’t have enough clothes for one but for me it’s not really about that. For now it’s about the fact that you know what? I should love myself more and never be frightened to take the plunge in anything.”
❝
FOR NOW IT’S ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU KNOW WHAT? I SHOULD LOVE MYSELF MORE AND NEVER BE FRIGHTENED TO TAKE THE PLUNGE IN ANYTHING.
❞
– Sharon, Best Before End Date
And therein lies the little secret that myself and so many other women who blog and vlog and post to social media are privy to: The little steps add up to so much more. Blogging is SO much greater than the sum of its parts.
Some of the comments left for Sharon on her post explain exactly what I’m referring to:
“After reading your blog and that I had even the smallest influence to make you feel more confident, makes me much more confident to continue to do what I do”
“I love supporting and encouraging other women to feel and be confident”
“I believe in faking it… Confidence that is!… and no one can tell the difference anyway”
“I felt like that when I started my little style account on Insta, I thought I was too old to do style then I said to myself, *** it! And just did it! I’ve had so much fun since then and I’m sure you will too”
“I’m a size 16-18 and have recently started sharing my daily outfits and have been really inspired by the lovely comments from people who don’t know me”
“Posting my #everydaystyle photo on Instagram most, but not every, day has made a huge difference to my confidence. It is such a self-affirming thing to do”
And this one, which is my absolute favourite and what inspired ME to write this blog post:
“Keep it up, Sharon. Do post outfits and know you are providing ideas and inspiration to others”
How the act of doing can inspire others
And there you have it – the mere act of Sharon posting her outfits has meant that all these other women have been encouraged to share their own photos. And that, in turn, encourages others to feel good about themselves too – we’re not all aged 22 and 5’10” with long legs and supermodel bodies. We come in all shapes and sizes, colours, ages and abilities. If the media aren’t going to be as diverse as we want them to be, then it’s up to us to do it for them.
So remember, it’s the mere act of doing something at all that can inspire someone else.
The execution is not even as important as the act of just DOING. So just go on and do it, whatever “it” may be.
IS THERE SOMETHING (NO MATTER HOW SMALL) YOU CAN DO THIS WEEKEND TO INSPIRE SOMEONE ELSE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
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Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE Hope you'll check out my latest Fashion post
Great post. Just turn 50 years old and a newbie on blogging. I started a year ago because I wanted to give myself a present for my 50th birthday. Done. It's a lot of work but so far I'm enjoying it. Thanks for sharing your tips. Keep up the good work.
Catherine, the timing of this post was perfect for me as I have also started a new blog. But it wasn't easy to hit that Publish button the first time. I have always struggled with my looks. With a father who is Polish and a mother who is from Guam, I don't exactly look like the girl next door. All my life people asked me what nationality I was and some of them didn't believe me when I told them the answer! That was quite confusing for a young woman! It took me years to realize that I didn't have to look like the girl next door to be happy and that I should celebrate my heritage. So at 48 years old, that is what I am finally doing. And women like you and the rest of the Over 40 Collective, as well as a few bloggers I follow here in the U.S. and dear, sweet Sharon, are my inspiration! I am amazed at the support and strength among members of this community! Every time I wonder if I'm doing the right thing, I read a post like yours or Sharon's and I know that this is my new path to follow. So thank you – and to all the other wonderful bloggers out there – for celebrating who you are. Reading all of your posts each week is like opening gifts on Christmas morning!
Much love & respect,
Cathy
http://www.cathyvstyle.com
I keep reading this quote about imperfection being the new perfection and just love it. We all need to remember this and allow our imperfections to give us confidence, not take it away. Nobody is perfect and that's what makes us all so damn fabulous, right? I'm off to read Sharon's post now – thanks for introducing her to us all!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Such a nice and positive words. So much nedeed…..
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Very great quotes. We do need to change the media.
Thanks for hosting and I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
I love Sharon!
Her attitude and her fabulous hair.
She is so inspiring…. thank you for sharing this.
Another positive post Catherine!
Keep 'em coming :o)
XXX
SamanthaFake Fabulous | Style and Fashion, over 40
Such a positive post girl! Thank you!
xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com
I talked to a woman a few months ago who told me, in more or less so many words, that because she was over 50, with grey hair, and not so slim as she used to be she had to content herself and find fulfilment in voluntary work and grandchildren. I think voluntary work and grandchildren are wonderful but it worries me that so many women feel that their value is in their age or their size. I'm so glad there are 40/50/60+ bloggers all looking fabulous and encouraging each other. We all need encouragement and sometimes it's so hard to come by.
Great post! I couldn't agree more and it is one of the many reasons I continue to blog myself!
Yay Sharon!
I couldn't agree more with her feeling that to be happy with yourself is all you need. Thanks for introducing Sharon to me Catherine, I thoroughly enjoyed reading her blog post. The weird thing is I literally just completed a blog post about my own confidence! Must be a hot topic right now, or are we just talking about it more? Either way it's good to share these deep feelings we all have. After all nobody is perfect right? xx
I couldn´t agree more with you Catherine.
Thank you for your always wonderful posts right on the pulse of the problems.
So proud of being your friend.
Happy weekend
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This
One of my favorite quotes ever that applies to just about anything in life is "Feel the fear and do it anyway." The rewards are always tremendous! Thank you for another inspiring post!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I read that post, and it is inspiring!! I know my mom (the 70+ model on my blog) was not over the top excited when I asked her to be part of my blog! I know her self confidence has not been the best lately. But it's been surprising at how much better she feels lately from all of the women that support her!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Happy weekend and thank you for hosting!