I’m going to try something new at A Boundless World and have my first guest post from a classmate of mine, Chelsea Hulse. She is a fantastic individual with a passion for writing. She is defiantly going places. She sent me an article that I thought would provide great value for my readers. I hope you enjoy. If you would like to write a guest post for A Boundless World I would love to hear from you. Contact me through my contact page 
Without further a do, Chelsea Hulse:
We’ve all heard of the saying about “having an elephant in the living room. It’s so big you just can’t ignore it.”
Like many I have had my fair share of self-confidence issues. For a period of time I thought that anything about me that I considered a “defect” was equivalent to an elephant in the room– everyone would notice my “defects” and judge me poorly for them.
I remember at one point in middle school I had a bit of a runny nose–everyone did, really, because it was that season. But I hid from everyone, ashamed to even sniffle in front of them.
Why? Because I was human too?
Later that year, something similar occurred.I was at a dance and having a great time. For weeks afterward, however, I freaked out when I saw pictures. Had I consciously chosen to wear that outfit? I hoped no one would see the pictures because I thought they would laugh at me forever!
It’s funny how quickly I forgot that people were following my dance moves, learning to dance like I did, but how long it took me to forget what I wore that night.
It took me even longer to realize which impression others would remember–neither; they would remember the fun that they, too, had.
I once read a quote and adopted it as a maxim: “When you’re standing around, worried about what others are saying/thinking about you, remember that the majority of the people are too busy to be watching you or criticizing you”–remember that other people are too worried about their own self-diagnosed ‘defects’ that they won’t even notice yours.
Chances are that the people around you will be less concerned with that big zit in the middle of your forehead or that piece of spinach in your teeth and more concerned about a stray hair or stain on their shirt.
I still care about my image and always try to look presentable (you never know who you’ll see out), but don’t freak out about the small stuff.
Stop worrying about the petty little things, show some confidence, and smile! After all, “confidence is the sexiest thing someone can have,” and a smile is the first thing someone will notice about you, not your unzipped fly.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Chelsea what a wonderful post! Didn’t Mr. Johnson mention this in service class or something?
You have gooood dance moves =), you should teach austin a thing or two XD
very simple yet thought provoking indeed…the fact that most of us, if not all, connect with it is what makes it a wonderful read…really enjoyed the post…made me step back and think…good job!
awwwwsome post.
interesting topic cos there’s a writing competition at university at the moment where the topic is “the elephant in the room”
got my ideas swirlin’
so funny how you go through and vocalise the limitations that most people place on themselves. just like the “was i really wearing it” – it’s trippy to realise and ask yourself “did i really believe that about myself” in hindsight.
and the confidence thing – man, i really feel like nothing else matters if you’re doing what you want. you can be as weird or unique as you like – as long as it’s what you really feel and you aren’t doing it for approval or attention. the bigger the difference between who you are and who you put out to the world, the more uncomfortable and self-conscious you’ll be. yuck.
coolness
alex – unleash reality