Does it feel safe to be you?

As the old saying goes, "What other people think of me is none of my business!"

But sometimes I struggle to walk the walk with my confidence coaching. I don't always feel confident but I've learned how to help myself feel better when needed.

Lately, I've been in a number of positions where I've needed to trust that it's OK to be me and that my thoughts, feelings and opinions are safe to share. I've been a regular panelist on BBC Essex's Loud Women for over a year now and am definitely becoming more opinionated as a result (to hear Saturday's show, you can use the link on http://www.applecoaching.com/).

I've also found myself writing more personal features as well as my regular journalism (http://www.articlesbyevemenezescunningham.co.uk/). Even though my Session Summaries and Action Plans are about my clients, I've noticed that they've become much more direct over the years I've been coaching. This blog and my newsletter have become more personal, too.

While some people unsubscribe (sob), most of the feedback I get is positive and encouraging. These are the subscribers I keep in mind when writing future pieces.

Do you ever feel that it's not safe to be yourself? Maybe you're completely yourself at work but censor yourself around your partner's friends? Or perhaps visiting your family immediately takes you back to a time when you felt you couldn't talk to anyone?

By becoming aware of the people you feel safest around (even when you're disagreeing, you know that your essence is loved and accepted), you'll be better able to recreate this feeling in all areas of your life.

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / http://www.applecoaching.com/ 2008.