Do You Know How to Accept a Compliment?

When was the last time you received a compliment? Maybe someone commented on a Facebook picture? Or someone stopped you in a bar because they loved your dress or shoes? Maybe you were praised for a work project or piece of writing? Or possibly a member of your family let you know how happy you make them?

Now think about the way in which you reacted to this compliment, If you're reading this post then it is pretty likely that you did one of the following...

1. Answered with another compliment
Complimenter: "Oh wow, you look amazing!"
You: "So do you!"

2. Changed the subject
Complimenter: "You really made me smile this morning"
You: "Well, I'd had the morning from hell. The cat was sick on the dog and the kids nearly blew the house up"

3. Laughed it off
Complimenter: "You know, you have really beautiful eyes"
You: "Really?! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ha ha.  Ha"

4. Played it down
Complimenter: "I love that top, it really suits you"
You: "Oh this? It was only £5 in Primark!"

Sound familiar?

You know you've done it.

We all have.

But today, it stops!

Today we turn a new page and begin a new chapter towards feeling better and more confident. And big results always start with very little steps. This is just one of those steps.

Now, I know I am going to make this sound really easy. And I honestly know it isn't, but neither is it that hard when you really think about it.

So the next time you receive a compliment, whether it's online or face-to-face and whether it's someone you know or a stranger, I want you to simply listen to the compliment, take a deep breath, and just say... Thank You.

Two little words. Really rather simple. But not usually the first thing that comes out of our mouths in these situations. But receiving a compliment should never be anything other than a lovely experience. It's not an awkward inconvenience, it's an actual gift. That person has seen or felt something so good about you that they feel compelled to share it. They are literally giving you a gift.

So imagine that those words are wrapped up in beautiful sparkling paper, and that the complimenter is handing you a gift. You wouldn't dream of taking a present out of someone's hand without saying Thank You now would you?

So why do it with a compliment? It makes no sense when you think about it does it?

Let this be a little challenge to you. No matter what person or what context, next time you receive a compliment, just say thank you.

And don't forget to let me know how you get on! It'll make you feel great I promise! And keep practising...

Don't forget to follow me on Snapchat for more daily motivation and tips! My username is emmab82

Until next time, stay beautiful!

Em xx

I choose confidence. I choose happiness.

Wow, what an amazing week I've had!

There are various factors that have brought me to my current state of mind. It's been a tough few months (at least) with health problems and most importantly with mental health issues. No, I'm not scared or embarrassed to say that I battle with depression and anxiety. It's important at this point to mention that I just typed 'struggle' instead of 'battle' but I went back and edited it because I am not prepared to struggle any longer. It's very much a battle as some days those grey (or black) clouds will make their way over my head but I'm armed and ready for them and I WILL WIN!

Because I no longer choose self pity. I no longer choose procrastination. I no longer choose self loathing. I choose confidence. I choose happiness...

There is only one way to be happy and it's taken me 33 years to realise this. The only thing that can make you happy is yourself... Not your partner, your children, your friends, your clothes, your food. Just yourself. And once you choose happiness, there really is no looking back. The best bit is that all the aforementioned things fall into place once you choose to be happy.

I have an amazing partner, a wonderful loving son, the most precious family and incredible friends. And they all want the same thing - my happiness. So if I choose happy then guess what? They're immediately happier and closer to me.

So as part of my new love for myself (nearly wrote self love then but that's a whole different thing ha!) I am embracing the full length photos of myself and posting them on a daily basis! When I FEEL good I LOOK even better and that's why I've been getting so much love for these pics. I'm really, really proud of them. And I'm proud of myself too...

Here's a few from this week...

On Thursday (with a little help from Lucy) I wore this amazing Banned floral 50s style dress from the selection at My Vintage. We still have a few 18's, 20's and 22's left online and here is the link for more info or to buy... http://www.myvintage.co.uk/vintage-style-turquoise-blue-hibiscus-swing-dress-4633-p.asp

Friday was Good Friday, and through various conversations we decided to rename this as Feel Good Friday. The idea was to wear an outfit that for some reason you do not normally have the confidence to wear. I pulled out a t-shirt that I bought from Simply Be last year that still had the tags on! I'd never worn it but always wanted to. It's white and every so slightly see-through as well as being short. All the things I would normally avoid. But I summoned bravery and teamed with with a Simply Be pleather mini skirt and a cute fluffy 90s-esque shrug from Yours and here was the result...

I cannot tell you how many times I NEARLY wore this outfit last year. But that stupid self doubt kept creeping in. But after putting the work in and really changing my outlook, I felt absolutely amazing all day! It's no surprise that the compliments came rolling in as a good 80% of how we look comes from how we feel...

There really was not stopping me now, and Saturday saw me digging out a lovely Primark kimono jacket that I'd never worn! It was a gift for my birthday last year but I'd always avoided wearing it as I thought the colours were too pale for me and that it might show my upper arms! Those thoughts seem so silly now. I wore it and LOVED it!

This will definitely be making more appearances - I am also on the look out for some gorgeous orange sandals or flats to go with it. If you see any in a wide 8 or 9 please do link me up!

I will be bringing you weekly outfit posts from now on, I really can't wait to get stuck into my wardrobe and start WEARING everything! After all, that's what they're for!

I'm off to pick out something gorgeous to wear tomorrow!

And remember - you CAN choose happiness. So do it...

Over and out
Em xx