The Happy Face
Feel Amazing in Your Skin—Midlife Face Fitness Made Simple
The Happy Face
Do you often find yourself battling anxiety, consumed by worries about others' opinions and feeling the weight of life's burdens? Have you ever felt like you're walking through a fog, distorting your perception of the world? And do you harbor stories about yourself that deep down you know aren't true, yet they persistently hold power over you? In this personal story, I invite you to join me on a journey of self-development and soul-searching as I navigate the realms of anxiety, self-doubt, and ultimately, self-acceptance.
Shrouded in Self-Doubt
As a shy teenager, my confidence waned, and self-consciousness seeped into every aspect of my life. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was living with dyslexia, a condition never discussed nor understood. I believed I was simply incapable of reading like my peers, and this misconception fueled my fear of being perceived as unintelligent. The dread of being called upon to read aloud in class became excruciating, and the story that I was "stupid" began to take hold. My struggles manifested further as I battled anorexia, seeking control amid the chaos of self-doubt.
Social Anxiety and the Inner Critic
As I got older, social situations became a real source of anxiety. I’d worry that I had nothing interesting to say, or that I’d say something silly — then I’d replay every conversation in my head afterwards, cringing at things no one else probably even noticed. I was doing well in my career as a hairdresser, but deep down I knew that avoiding things out of fear wasn’t really living. I wanted more confidence, more ease — to just be myself without the constant overthinking. That’s when I started really working on my personal growth, reading, learning, and pushing myself bit by bit out of my comfort zone. It’s still a work in progress, but that’s how real change happens — one brave, shaky step at a time.
Triumphs and Breakthroughs
Amidst the battles with self-doubt, I refused to let fear dictate my life's course. An opportunity to compete in a hairdressing competition arose—a chance to present on stage in front of an audience, a terrifying prospect for me. To prepare, I even sought hypnosis to ease my anxiety. Surprisingly, on the day of the competition, I delivered a confident presentation, ultimately winning the best presenter award. At the time, I attributed this success to the magic of hypnosis, failing to recognize my inherent capabilities.
Embracing Self-Awareness and Growth
The journey toward self-acceptance is ongoing, and I've come to acknowledge the stories I tell myself and the thoughts that once held power over me. Though I haven't completely freed myself from self-doubt, I've developed awareness, recognizing these thoughts as they arise. I consciously choose to live life on my own terms, intentionally shaping the narrative I wish to embrace. I've learned that I don't need to know everything, instead focusing on what genuinely interests and fulfills me. Regardless of external validation, I now love and accept myself.
A Journey of Empowerment and Transformation
My journey of self-acceptance has been full of ups and downs — moments of progress, and times where I’ve had to start again. Through a lot of self-work and reflection, I’ve learned to notice my thoughts and the stories I tell myself, instead of letting them run the show. Pushing through fear hasn’t been easy, but it’s where I’ve found the most growth and confidence. I’m still learning (always will be), but these days I’m much more comfortable with who I am — and with life not always being perfect.
If you’re on your own path of growth and self-discovery, you’re not alone. Let’s keep learning, growing, and celebrating how far we’ve come — one step at a time.
Owning My Story: How Self-Care, Growth, and Meditation Changed Everything
For a long time, I lived with anxiety, self-doubt, and stories that weren’t even mine. Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t want to keep living like that — constantly questioning myself and trying to meet impossible standards. That’s when I began exploring self-care, self-development, and meditation… and honestly, they’ve changed everything.
Self-care became my way back to myself. It wasn’t just about spa days (though I love those too), but about tuning in to what I actually needed — time to rest, move, connect, breathe, or just be. Those small daily choices helped me feel grounded again, especially when life felt chaotic.
Then came self-development. Books, workshops, podcasts — I couldn’t get enough. I started learning how much of what I believed about myself was shaped by old fears or habits that didn’t serve me anymore. Letting go of those has been freeing, and it’s given me a deeper confidence in who I really am.
Meditation was the missing piece. It taught me how to quiet the noise in my head, to notice my thoughts without being controlled by them. It’s not about being perfectly calm or still — it’s about creating space to listen to myself with compassion and clarity. That simple pause has helped me rewrite the stories I tell myself and find a little more peace.
These three practices — self-care, self-development, and meditation — have become my foundation. They’ve helped me see that we all have things to work through. We’re human — with old patterns, insecurities, and self-doubt that often trace all the way back to childhood. For years, I believed every thought that popped into my head was true. Now, I question them. I’m a recovering people pleaser learning to set healthy boundaries and honor my own needs without guilt. These practices have taught me to embrace my imperfections, quiet my inner critic, and trust my own path. I’m still learning, still growing, and still reminding myself that it’s okay not to have it all figured out.
If you’re on your own journey of self-discovery, know this — it’s never too late to start again. Begin small. Be gentle with yourself. And remember, your story is yours to write — one mindful, messy, beautiful chapter at a time.
CONNECT
© Copyright 2025 The Happy Face | designed and developed by creativa.org.uk