Confidence Unlocked

Tag: well-being

  • I Don’t Want to Be Famous (But I Kind of Do)

    Fame or not..

    There’s a quiet battle I don’t always talk about.

    I think a lot of people feel it, but few admit it out loud.

    I don’t want to be famous.

    The idea makes me shudder a bit, actually.

    The scrutiny. The pressure. The eyes that see too much and the voices that assume even more.

    Fame feels like being constantly lit up under a microscope. A version of success that comes with commentary you didn’t ask for.

    But…

    I also kind of want to be famous.

    Or rather, I want the things that fame seems to bring.

    I want to be seen.

    I want to be heard.

    I want to be respected — not just in the private corners of kind people’s hearts, but loudly. Publicly.

    The pull of being known

    I want someone to say, “Her work helped me.”

    I want my voice to carry further than the room I’m in.

    And yes, I want to be paid well for what I create.

    Not as an ego stroke — but because I’ve known what it’s like to struggle.

    To give more than I had to give.

    To live quiet and small because the world made me feel like that was safer.

    So here I am — craving visibility and fearing it at the same time.

    What a strange place to stand.

    The fear behind the spotlight

    I’m not scared of being good at what I do.

    I’m scared of the weight that comes with being seen doing it.

    I want to be the voice in someone’s head that reminds them they’re enough —

    but not the one who has to pretend she always is.

    I want to be able to pay my bills, create beautiful things,

    and have people say, “Lorraine gets it.”

    But I don’t want to lose my peace in the process.

    What I’ve realised…

    Maybe it’s not about fame at all.

    Maybe it’s about impact.

    Maybe I don’t need millions of eyes on me —

    I just need a few people who really feel it when I speak.

    Maybe I don’t want to be watched…

    I want to be felt.

    Heard. Understood. Trusted.

    And maybe I don’t want to be famous…

    I want to be free.

    To do my work.

    To rest when I need to.

    To be celebrated without being dissected.

    To live in my purpose — not perform it.

    So here’s what I’m learning:

    I can crave recognition without craving chaos.

    I can want to be known without needing to be everywhere.

    I can chase wealth without chasing fame.

    And I can choose peace — even when I still ache to be seen.

    If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.

    You’re not confused or attention-seeking.

    You’re just a soul who wants to live loudly and safely at the same time.

    And maybe, just maybe… that’s possible.

    🔒 Confidence Unlocked Takeaway:

    Impact over attention.

    Depth over popularity.

    Peace over performance.

  • When Summer Feels Lonely (Even When You Love the Sun)

    I’m a sun lover but I’m always aware of the solitude.

    Summer is supposed to be joyful.

    That’s what we’re told.

    It’s the season of light — bright skies, garden parties, beach days, bare legs and easy smiles. The world seems to come alive. People gather. Plans get made. And everywhere you look, there’s this sense that something good is happening.

    Summer solitude

    But what no one talks about is the ache that can live underneath all that sunshine.

    Because sometimes, the brightest season can cast the longest shadows.

    ☀️ The expectation of happiness can feel heavy

    Summer isn’t just about the weather — it comes with expectation.

    The pressure to be social. To be seen. To be out, smiling, thriving, living your “hot girl summer” or dancing on some rooftop with your friends at sunset.

    But what happens when you’re not in that space?

    What happens when your life is quiet right now — maybe too quiet?

    When your phone barely lights up. When no one’s inviting you out. When you’re scrolling through everyone’s stories and asking yourself why you feel like the only one standing still.

    The seasons can affect you in many different ways.

    That contrast? It hurts. And not because you’re bitter or antisocial.

    But because being alone in a season of togetherness can trigger a deeper kind of loneliness.

    🌡️ Summer exposes what winter can hide

    In winter, we’re almost expected to stay in. To withdraw a little.

    Everyone slows down. Everything gets a bit quieter, softer.

    But in summer? The world turns the volume up.

    Suddenly, people are reconnecting. Traveling. Dating. Posting their “forever person” like it’s a Pinterest ad.

    And even if you’re content most of the time, something about it makes you question your own life. Your relationships. Your worth.

    You wonder:

    Why does everyone seem so loved?

    So surrounded? So chosen?

    What am I missing?

    🌻 You’re not behind — you’re in your own season

    Here’s the truth, softly spoken:

    You are not behind just because your summer doesn’t look like theirs.

    It might be quieter. More reflective.

    Maybe you’re healing from things no one sees. Maybe you’re resetting.

    Maybe this summer isn’t about loud joy — maybe it’s about gentle restoration.

    Your summer can be:

    Sitting in the sun with your journal and a coffee Saying no to plans that drain you Creating a life that feels soft, slow, and safe Letting silence feel like sanctuary, not punishment Choosing yourself again and again, even when no one else is

    💬 You’re allowed to love the light and feel lonely in it

    This isn’t about choosing between joy and sadness.

    This is about making room for both.

    You can love the sun and still feel the ache of absence.

    You can enjoy your solitude and still wish you had someone to share the day with.

    You can be content with your own company — and still long for connection.

    You’re not too much. Or too sensitive. Or failing.

    You’re just human. And this is a very human season.

    🖤 Final thoughts

    So if summer feels a little tender this year — let it.

    Let yourself soften instead of toughen up.

    Let yourself feel the sting, but don’t stay stuck in the story that you’re not enough.

    Create your own rhythm.

    Romanticize the quiet moments.

    And know that not every chapter has to be loud to be beautiful.

    You are allowed to take up space this summer — even if it’s just for yourself.

    Especially if it’s just for yourself.

    If this touched something in you, I hope you know you’re not alone.

    Share it, pin it, or pass it to the friend who’s pretending to be okay.

    Because somewhere out there, another heart needs this softness too.

    With love always,

    Lorraine

    Confidence Unlocked 🔐

  • I Think I Do Better When I’m Single

    Let me just say it plain:

    Sometimes, I feel like I’m my best self when I’m single.

    Not because I don’t love love.

    Not because I’m “anti-men” or closed off or bitter.

    But because when I’m on my own, I remember who the hell I am.

    🔓 I don’t have to shrink.

    I’ve been in situationships, relationships, almost-things that chipped away at me.

    Made me quieter. Smaller. More accommodating.

    And I can’t do that anymore. I won’t.

    When I’m single, I feel like my voice gets louder — not aggressive, not arrogant — just clearer. I don’t second-guess myself. I don’t over-explain. I don’t carry someone else’s insecurities on my back.

    🔓 I glow differently.

    I move differently.

    I listen to my body. I rest. I create. I build things.

    I don’t spend hours overthinking a text message or wondering why I feel so alone in a relationship that’s meant to be full.

    There’s peace in my solitude.

    There’s growth in my stillness.

    There’s power in knowing I don’t need anyone to complete me — I’m already whole.

    🔓 But let me be real for a second…

    I’m not saying I’ll be single forever.

    I’m saying I won’t sacrifice myself again to be loved.

    If I’m going to be in something, it has to feel like freedom, not fear. Like expansion, not exhaustion.

    Until then, I’m staying single, soft, smart, strong… and completely in love with the woman I’m becoming.

    If you’ve ever said, “I think I do better when I’m single,”

    — maybe that’s your soul whispering “Yes. Because this is your healing season.”

    You’re not behind. You’re not broken.

    You’re just busy becoming unstoppable.

    🖤 Pin this. Save this. Share this.

    And if it resonated? You’re not alone. I see you. I am you.

    — Lorraine, Confidence Unlocked

  • Modern Day Lonely

    Life is full but empty.

    You know what no one really talks about?

    How loud loneliness is these days.

    Modern day lonely isn’t just the quiet kind. It’s noisy. It’s everywhere. It’s messages popping up without meaning. It’s voice notes you never play. It’s social feeds full of people who wouldn’t even notice if you went quiet for a week. It’s being surrounded by connection, but still feeling… empty.

    Loneliness used to be simple. It was distance. Silence. Being alone.

    But now?

    Now it’s watching people post “you got this 💕” to strangers online while you sit on the edge of your bed wondering why no one checks in on you.

    It’s being “known” by hundreds but seen by no one.

    It’s having notifications but not real conversations. Being invited but not included. It’s performing joy instead of living it.

    Sometimes it’s pretending you’re “low maintenance” when really? You just don’t think anyone would show up if you actually needed them.

    Sometimes it’s saying you love your own company—when in truth, you’ve just learned how to be your own safe space because no one else felt safe.

    Modern loneliness looks like:

    Being in a room full of people and feeling completely invisible. Saying “I’m fine” because the alternative is too vulnerable and too exhausting. Smiling at memes that say “mentally I’ve already quit” because it’s easier than admitting you feel lost.

    It’s laughing in group chats and then crying in the shower.

    It’s staying “booked and busy” so you never have to sit in the silence.

    It’s craving a hug that isn’t digital.

    And yet…

    There’s something sacred in the stillness too.

    A strange kind of becoming.

    Because here’s the thing most people don’t realise:

    Loneliness doesn’t always mean you’ve failed.

    Sometimes it means you’re in the in-between.

    The space between who you were and who you’re becoming.

    Sometimes it means you’ve outgrown relationships built on survival, not connection.

    Sometimes it means you’re making space for the kind of love that sees you clearly and meets you gently.

    Loneliness can be healing too.

    Sometimes it means you’re learning how to choose yourself—even when no one else is choosing you.

    And that’s not weakness. That’s strength.

    That’s healing.

    So if you’re in that space right now—the scroll-without-feeling, lay-awake-without-crying, show-up-without-being-seen kind of space—just know this:

    You’re not broken. You’re not behind.

    You’re not too much, and you’re not too invisible.

    You’re simply in the middle of your own becoming.

    And if no one’s told you lately:

    I see you.

    And I’m proud of the way you’re still trying, still caring, still hoping.

    Even when it’s hard.

    Especially then.

  • You Don’t Need to Be Ready — You Just Need to Be Brave

    How to Build Confidence When You’re Stuck Overthinking

    Overthinking is common

    Let me guess — you’ve got dreams, goals, ideas, and maybe even a to-do list longer than your weekly shopping receipt…

    But something always stops you from taking that next step.

    You tell yourself:

    “I’ll start when I feel more confident.”

    “I’ll speak up when I know exactly what to say.”

    “I’ll try… when I’m ready.”

    Here’s the truth:

    If you’re waiting to feel ready, you’ll be waiting forever.

    🧠 The Overthinker’s Loop

    People with low confidence often get stuck in the “what if” loop:

    What if I fail? What if they laugh? What if I’m not good enough?

    It feels like being responsible. Like doing your due diligence.

    But in reality? It’s fear. Disguised as preparation.

    Overthinking is a confidence killer — it gives your doubts a microphone and silences your intuition.

    And it keeps you in a holding pattern where nothing changes… but everything gets heavier.

    🚪 What You Actually Need: Courage in the Moment

    Confidence isn’t a magical quality you just wake up with one day.

    It’s the result of brave little actions taken before you feel fully prepared.

    That’s how confident people get confident.

    They go first — even if they’re scared. Even if they’re not perfect. Even if their hands are shaking.

    💬 Confidence is the reward for showing up, not the requirement.

    🔁 Reframe Your Fears

    Start replacing “What if I fail?” with:

    What if this is the thing that changes my life? What if I learn something incredible from trying? What if I’m more ready than I think?

    You don’t need to stop being scared. You just need to learn to move with the fear instead of letting it drive.

    ✨ Three Tiny Acts of Bravery to Try This Week

    Post that idea — even if it’s not perfect. Say what you really mean in one conversation. Do something solo that intimidates you (coffee shop, event, gym, walk — anything).

    They don’t have to be huge. They just have to happen. Because each one teaches your brain:

    “I did that scared. I didn’t wait. I survived. I grew.”

    💛 You’re More Ready Than You Think

    The most confident people you admire? They’re not fearless.

    They’re do-it-anyway people. And you can be one too.

    So don’t wait for permission, the perfect moment, or for your nerves to disappear.

    Take the next small, brave step.

    Because that’s where the magic lives.

    And the real you? She’s already in there — bold, brilliant, and building her life one courageous decision at a time.

    Always

    If this resonated with you, grab your free Confidence Kit right here — it’s packed with journal prompts and affirmations to get you out of your head and back into your power.

    And don’t forget to follow Confidence Unlocked on Pinterest for daily motivation that feels like a hug and a hype-up in one 🖤

  • Softness is Strength: Letting Yourself Be Seen and Heard

    Vulnerability is power

    For a long time, I thought that being strong meant never showing the cracks. Never asking for help. Just keeping my chin up and pushing through, no matter how heavy things felt. Because that’s what strong people do, right?

    But here’s the thing: strength without softness is just a shield. It’s heavy, and it can keep you safe, but it can also keep you feeling alone.

    I’ve been learning (and re-learning) that the real power comes when you let your walls down. When you let people see the parts of you that are a little messy, a little scared, a little unsure. Because that’s where the real connection happens—when you stop trying to be perfect and start letting yourself just be human.

    Softness isn’t weakness. It’s not about giving up or letting life steamroll you. It’s about letting yourself feel—really feel—without judging or shaming yourself. It’s about saying, “I’m tired today, and that’s okay.” It’s about asking for help, even when you’re used to doing it all alone. It’s about being honest with yourself and the people around you.

    I’m learning that it’s okay to be soft and strong at the same time. To hold space for both the part of me that wants to keep going no matter what, and the part of me that just wants to rest and breathe. Because both are real. Both are valid. And both are worthy of love and respect.

    So if you’re reading this and you feel like you’re always the strong one—the one who holds it all together—I want you to know this: it’s okay to let yourself be soft too. It’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to say, “I’m struggling right now.”

    You don’t have to carry it all alone. You’re allowed to lean on the people who love you. You’re allowed to take a breath. You’re allowed to feel.

    And maybe… just maybe… that’s the strongest thing of all.

    Here’s to softness. Here’s to showing up real and honest. Here’s to letting yourself be seen and heard—exactly as you are.

    Call to Action:

    ✨ If you’re craving more gentle reminders and daily boosts of self-belief, grab my free Confidence Kit here. Let’s keep this journey soft, strong, and real—together. 

  • Celibacy & Confidence: My Journey to Quiet Strength

    Celibacy is a journey.

    For the longest time, I believed that intimacy was the key to connection. That sharing my body would somehow prove my worth or make me feel whole. But over the years, I’ve come to see things differently. My journey with celibacy has taught me that true connection starts within. It begins with choosing myself and listening to my soul’s quiet whisper: “You are already enough.”

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  • The Quiet Power of Saying No: Lessons in Boundaries and Clarity

    Boundaries are the pillars of confidence.

    I’ll be honest: I used to think saying no was rude. Like I was shutting people out or not being grateful for what was offered. So for years, I said yes to things that didn’t feel right—yes to invitations I didn’t want, to conversations that drained me, to relationships that weren’t really for me.

    Every time I said yes when I really meant no, a little piece of me would shrink.

    It was a soft, almost invisible ache—a sense that I was betraying myself, even if I couldn’t put it into words.

    Learning to Love My No

    One day, it hit me: I was tired of living in constant reaction mode, constantly available for everyone else’s plans and needs.

    I started small.

    Saying no to one invite.

    No to one person who took and took but never gave.

    No to the idea that I needed to do everything to be worthy of love.

    It felt terrifying at first. But also… a little bit liberating. Like I was finally giving my heart a place to rest.

    The Link Between Boundaries and Confidence

    There’s a quiet magic in boundaries. They’re not loud or dramatic. They’re a calm assurance that your energy is precious, your peace is worth protecting, and you don’t have to justify mi your choices to anyone.

    It’s a truth I’ve come to hold close: Every time I honor a boundary, I stand taller in my confidence.

    It’s like my inner voice is saying, “You matter. Your feelings matter. And you’re allowed to take up space, even if it makes someone else uncomfortable.”

    My Celibacy Journey: A Radical No and a Gentle Yes

    Celibacy has been one of my deepest and most tender boundaries. It’s not about denying myself joy or rejecting the idea of love—it’s about slowing down and reclaiming my relationship with my body and my heart.

    For me, celibacy has been a clear, radical no to anything that doesn’t honor the sacredness of who I am. It’s been a way to create space for healing. A chance to stop confusing physical closeness with emotional safety.

    And surprisingly, it’s been a huge confidence builder.

    Because when I stopped chasing validation in someone else’s arms, I found it in my own.

    When I stopped using intimacy as a quick fix for loneliness, I learned to sit with my feelings and let them guide me.

    The Ripple Effect: Saying No Brings Clarity Everywhere

    What I didn’t expect was how that quiet no would ripple out into every other part of my life.

    It showed up in my work—giving me the courage to stop saying yes to projects that didn’t light me up.

    It showed up in friendships—helping me see who respected my no and who only wanted me when I was convenient.

    It showed up in my self-talk—teaching me to stop people-pleasing and start people-cherishing (starting with myself).

    The Most Profound Lesson

    Here’s what I’ve learned, bestie:

    Saying no isn’t about rejection—it’s about protection.

    It’s not about cutting people off—it’s about making room for what truly matters.

    And the most profound part? Saying no can be a quiet, gentle act. It doesn’t have to be a battle or a drama—it can be a soft whisper that says, “I love you, but I love me too.”

    My Invitation to You

    If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of automatic yeses, I want you to know this: you are allowed to say no. Even if you’ve been a yes-person your whole life.

    You’re allowed to let your no be clumsy and awkward at first.

    You’re allowed to protect your peace, even if it confuses or disappoints others.

    Because in that quiet no, you’re saying yes to something far more beautiful: your clarity, your healing, your quiet confidence.

    Journaling Prompt

    👉 Where in my life am I ready to say no more often?

    👉 What would it feel like to trust my no and honor it, even if it feels scary?

    My Affirmation

    💫 “I trust myself to know what’s best for me.

    I honor my boundaries.

    I protect my peace.

    I love myself enough to say no.” 💫

  • The Secret Sauce: 5 Powerful Ways to Feel Confident Instantly

    We’ve all had those moments where our confidence wavers—when the self-doubt creeps in, our shoulders hunch a little, and we just don’t feel quite ourselves. But here’s the thing: confidence isn’t some faraway mountaintop—it’s something we can tap into, right here, right now.

    I’ve pulled together 5 quick, powerful ways to instantly tap into your confidence reserves and show up like the fierce, unstoppable human you are. These aren’t just fluffy ideas—they’re the secret sauce I use whenever I need to feel ready to take on the world. Let’s dive in!

    1️⃣ Strike a Power Pose

    Sounds daft but it works!

    This might sound a bit silly, but trust me—it works. When you physically take up space, your brain follows suit. Standing tall, shoulders back, chin up—these small posture shifts send a powerful message to your mind: I’ve got this.

    Try it next time you’re about to tackle something nerve-wracking—before a meeting, a date, or even just a tough conversation. You’ll feel the shift.

    2️⃣ Use Positive Self-Talk

    We talk to ourselves more than anyone else does, so let’s make that conversation a confidence-boosting one! Swap out the harsh inner critic for a kinder, more encouraging voice.

    Instead of “I can’t do this,” try “I’m giving it my best shot.” Instead of “I’m not good enough,” try “I’m learning and growing every day.”

    These little rewrites in your self-talk might seem small, but they add up—big time.

    3️⃣ Dress to Impress (For YOU!)

    Dress for YOU!

    We all have those outfits that make us feel unstoppable. That blazer that fits just right, that top that makes you feel like the star of your own show.

    It’s not about impressing anyone else—it’s about aligning the outside with how you want to feel inside. So go ahead, put on that power outfit and own your day!

    4️⃣ Focus on Your Strengths

    Focus on what you do well

    When we’re feeling shaky, it’s easy to zero in on what’s not working. But let’s flip that script.

    Take a moment to list out your strengths—big or small. Maybe it’s your kindness, your ability to solve problems, or your infectious laugh.

    Reminding yourself of what makes you you can instantly pull you back into your power.

    5️⃣ Visualize Success

    Close your eyes and imagine that moment where you’re beaming with pride—where you’re showing up as your most confident self. Picture every detail: what you’re wearing, how you’re standing, how you’re feeling.

    Visualization is more than daydreaming—it primes your mind for success and helps you step into it with intention.

    Confidence is a Daily Practice

    I know it can feel like confidence is something you’re either born with or not—but that’s just not true. It’s a practice, and it’s something you can build every single day.

    So save this post, pin it, or share it with a friend who could use a boost. And if you’re ready to dig even deeper, check out my Confidence Journal or join my 1:1 coaching program—both designed to help you unlock your fullest, most unstoppable self.

    Let’s make confidence a way of life—together. 

  • Money Trauma: Growing Up Without, Living in a Crisis, and the Lifelong Impact on Confidence

    Money trauma is real

    Money trauma is real. It’s not just about a bank balance—it’s about how money (or the lack of it) can shape your sense of worth, safety, and identity. For me, that feeling of not having enough has been a shadow in every corner of my life.

    I grew up with nothing. My dad was a single father with just four recipes on repeat. We never went on holidays, never went on school trips. Nice clothes? That was a luxury I didn’t dare to dream about. Money was something other people had. In my world, it was always “not enough.” And because of that, I grew up thinking I was “not enough” too.

    From being a benefit kid to a care kid, I saw firsthand how money shapes lives. Kids with money walked taller. They wore the clothes that fit in. They had shiny gadgets and easy laughter. I watched from the sidelines, shrinking inside, feeling like my worth was on clearance sale—like the second-hand clothes I wore.

    It’s taken me years to understand this: money trauma isn’t just about what’s in your wallet. It’s about how you see yourself, how you expect to be treated by the world. It seeps into everything—like how I’d say no to things I wanted because I felt I didn’t deserve them. Or how I’d spend money as soon as I got it, like it was too hot to hold. Or how I’d freeze up in conversations about money, sure that everyone else had it all figured out and I was the only one lost.

    The Cost of Living Crisis Today

    And now? The cost of living is rising higher than ever, and it’s like my childhood is playing out on repeat for millions of children today. Over 4.5 million kids in the UK are living in relative poverty—almost a third of all children. They’re growing up with empty fridges, worn-out uniforms, and that same tight knot in their stomachs I remember so well.

    I know what that does to a child’s confidence. When you don’t have enough, you feel like you’re not enough. That’s what money trauma does—it tells you to play small, to expect less, to never ask for more. And it doesn’t end when you grow up. It seeps into your job interviews, your relationships, your dreams.

    You’re enough regardless of your financial situation

    The Power of Financial Literacy

    Here’s what I wish I’d known sooner: money trauma doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Learning about money—truly learning, not just crunching numbers—has been one of the most healing things I’ve done for my confidence. Because when you understand money, you stop being afraid of it. You stop letting it decide your worth.

    Financial literacy isn’t just about budgeting or investing. It’s about teaching yourself, step by step, that you deserve security. That you deserve to have choices. That you’re allowed to want more than survival. And for kids growing up in poverty today, it’s the difference between feeling trapped by their circumstances and seeing a door they can open.

    My Journey: From Scarcity to Self-Worth

    I’m still on this journey, and some days it’s messy. Some days I still feel that old shame creeping in—like I’m not allowed to talk about money, not allowed to want it. But here’s what I know now: I’m not that little girl anymore. I’m not just a “benefit kid.” I’m not just someone who never went on holiday. I’m someone who can rewrite my story, one honest conversation at a time.

    I’m telling my story. No more silence. Shame thrives in the dark, so I’m shining a light on it. I’m learning, step by step. No finance degree, just curiosity and compassion for myself. Tracking my spending, learning how to save—baby steps, but they matter. I’m giving myself grace. My past wasn’t my fault. I didn’t choose to be a child in poverty, and I’m done punishing myself for it. I’m choosing to believe I’m worthy. Money isn’t a measure of my worth. It’s a tool I can learn to use.

    A Note to Anyone Who Feels the Same

    If you’re reading this and feeling the same ache I’ve carried, please know this: you’re not alone. Money trauma is sneaky and stubborn, but it’s not who you are. Your worth was never meant to be measured in pounds or pence. You deserve to stand tall, to speak up, to feel safe and seen—no matter what your bank balance says.

    Let’s rewrite our money stories together. Let’s teach ourselves—and our children—that confidence isn’t just for those with money. It’s for all of us, because we’re all worthy of a life that feels rich in every way.

    Love Lorraine x