Sometimes the things we’ve done a hundred times can still scare us...

For those of you who don’t know, I used to be a regular appearance on ‘This Morning’ as one of their makeup and beauty experts! A few years ago this was a routine part of my job, and I absolutely loved it. However, a lot has changed over the last few years, not just with my work type, but at This Morning too, a new studio being one of them. It has also been quite a while since I’ve been on screen.

Being truthful.. I was incredibly nervous. I noticed when I mentioned my nerves to people, they couldn’t quite understand. They’d respond with “But you’ve done this so many times before”. Whilst that is true, I still felt that anxiety. It’s a funny thing isn’t it, to have been away from something that once felt completely normal to going back and it suddenly feeling like stepping into unfamiliar territory & the pressure appears more intense. Whilst pressure makes diamonds, or so the phrase goes, it can be challenging, especially when that pressure comes from yourself.

I found myself worrying; Will I get brain fog and forget my words? - something that seems to be happening more often these days.. and no, I’m refusing to blame perimenopause, although it very well could be! Will I remember all the important details about the products? Will I do the brands justice while explaining everything in a way that’s easy for people to understand? I never want to sound robotic or scared, so I was trying so hard to keep my nerves under control, oh and not rush!

Yes, honestly, all those thoughts are going through my head in the first few moments of the camera being on me… and then .. just like that, it’s over. It made me reflect, it’s amazing how quickly we can start doubting our own abilities isn’t it? And, how we can become our own harshest critics. Something I find quite ironic as someone who shares so much of their life on social media, opening up the opportunity for criticism. But, I don’t think I’m alone in this feeling, and think people can resonate with that feeling, and if you do you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, whether you’re a teacher, a managing director, an actor, a singer or anything else. I think everyone has had moments where we question ourselves and wonder if we’re really good enough. But, what if we only have to be “good enough” for ourselves…

One thing I’ve always tried to do, especially in my work, is say yes to the things that scare me.

Now, I don’t mean pretending I can do something I’ve got absolutely no idea how to do! But if an opportunity comes along that stretches me or pushes me outside my comfort zone, I’ve learnt to lean into it rather than run away from it.

Because every time I’ve said yes, I’ve surprised myself, I’ve enjoyed it and done it well!

Presenting is the perfect example. Trust me, I’m definitely not about to become the next host of Strictly Come Dancing! (I know some of you were wondering, but luckily it’s been announced Ha Ha ). If I had listened to that little voice telling me I wasn’t good enough all those years ago, I wouldn’t be here writing this today, telling you about my presenting experience.

One phone call over ten years ago asking me to present the beauty segment changed the direction of my career in ways I could never have imagined. It opened doors I never knew existed. In fact, if it hadn’t been for that opportunity, I probably wouldn’t have started sharing on social media at all. Isn’t it incredible how one brave “yes” can completely change the path you’re on?

So I suppose what I really want to say is this...

The next time that little voice in your head tells you, “Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t do that,” don’t let it have the final say & perhaps challenge it. Maybe you won’t be brilliant the first time, maybe you’ll make mistakes, Maybe you’ll even discover it’s not for you.

But maybe...

Maybe you’ll learn a new skill. Maybe you’ll discover a confidence you never knew you had. Maybe you’ll open a door that leads somewhere you never expected. Maybe, you’ll be “good enough” for yourself..

And even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll never have to wonder, What if?

So take the leap, have a little faith in yourself. You are far more capable than you probably give yourself credit for.

You never know where one brave “yes” might lead. Oh and just to add, nerves are a completely normal part of the human experience!

Here’s to your next yes, to choosing you’re good enough, and to doing things that scare us!

Love, B x