Hey Love,
Earlier this month, I shared my April goals on social media. One of the goals I felt strongly about was this: practice boldness. Not boldness in a brash, loud, or rude way—but a deeper kind. The kind that looks like speaking up when it matters, especially for myself. And if it helps someone else in the process? Even better.
The Ordinary Moment That Became a Test
I didn’t expect that goal to be tested at something as ordinary as a nail appointment. But that’s how life works sometimes, right? It gives you these small, quiet opportunities to show up for yourself, and see how far you’ve really come.
The Cycle I Knew All Too Well
So here’s what happened.
I needed to get my nails done. My regular nail tech—who always gets it—was fully booked. And because I had an event coming up and needed a fresh set, I went to someone else. No big deal… until it was.
This has happened before. I sit down in the chair, explain what I want—and then silently watch the design, shape, and overall vibe drift further and further from my original vision. I say nothing. I pay. I leave. I go home and try to fix it myself, reshaping them, trying to ignore the parts I don’t like, and telling myself, “It’s fine. I’ll just wait for my next appointment.”
This Time, I Did Something Different
But this time, something shifted.
As she worked, I watched closely. And when I noticed a few things that didn’t align with what I asked for, I spoke up. I was nervous, honestly. I was raised, like many of us, to be polite and not “make a scene.” But I found my voice, soft but clear, and said what I needed.
She listened. She adjusted. I felt so proud in that moment. Not because the nails were finally going the way I wanted—but because I spoke up for myself.
Plot Twist: It Didn’t End the Way I Hoped
But then… when I thought she was finished, she picked up the file and started reshaping them again. Not how I asked. But how she preferred.
And I didn’t say anything.
I left the salon with nails I didn’t love, but this time, I didn’t feel defeated. I felt proud of myself. Because I realized that practicing boldness isn’t about getting it perfect every time. It’s about trying. It’s about the effort to change. It’s about those small, awkward, courageous moments that build up over time and strengthen our confidence.
Building the Boldness Muscle
That moment taught me something valuable:
Confidence doesn’t magically appear.
It grows—one baby step at a time.
So if you’re on your own journey to speak up more, advocate for yourself, or just own your voice in new spaces, let this be your reminder: it’s okay to fumble on your first try. It’s okay to get it almost right. The point is: you showed up differently. And that counts.
The Journey Is in the Trying
I may not have loved how my nails turned out, but I loved the fact that I tried. I stepped into the boldness I said I wanted. And I’ll keep stepping.
Because practicing boldness isn’t a one-time thing.
It’s a muscle. And I’m building mine.
What’s one area in your life where you’re learning to speak up? Let’s talk about it in the comments—or share this with someone who needs a little push toward boldness today.
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EXTRA Love and light,
