This week, I want to share a personal story that marked the beginning of my journey towards true belonging. It’s a tale of embarrassment, self-doubt, and, ultimately, growth.

Picture this: I’m in my late 20s, attending a swanky country club dinner. 

Nervous and feeling out of place, I made the bold (and, in hindsight, risky) choice to wear white. 

As someone from humble beginnings, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong among these seemingly “better” people. Would they expose me as not good enough, smart enough, or rich enough?

Spoiler alert: This mindset is the antithesis of belonging, but we’ll get to that.

In my anxiety-induced state, I tried to escape a conversation by excusing myself to the bathroom. What happened next? In a scene straight out of a sitcom, I collided with a waiter carrying a platter of meatballs. Let’s just say that white dresses and red sauce are not a match made in heaven.

Mortifying as it was, this incident led to a profound realization: I needed to learn how to belong, starting with belonging to myself.

This messy encounter sparked a journey of personal growth that my younger, marinara-covered self couldn’t have imagined. It even inspired me to create one of my most popular programs, Charm the Room (available to VIP members of the School of Self-Image).

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of that younger version of me. She recognized that her feelings of inadequacy were just a story in her head – one that needed unraveling and rewriting. I’m equally proud of who I am today, comfortable and at home in any room with anyone.

Here’s the most important takeaway from my journey: You belong in any room you choose to enter. If anything or anyone tells you otherwise, it’s a lie!

Remember, true belonging starts with accepting yourself. Once you do that, you’ll find that you can charm any room, even with a sauce-stained dress.

Until next week,

Embrace Your Uniqueness

True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are;
it requires you to be who you are.

~ Brené Brown

Belonging isn’t about fitting in – it’s about showing up authentically. Cultivate a belonging mindset that sees your uniqueness as your greatest strength. This transforms social situations into opportunities for genuine connection.

Today, challenge yourself to embrace one aspect of yourself you typically hide. Share an unconventional opinion, wear that bold accessory, or open up about a hidden passion.

Remember, true belonging comes from accepting yourself fully – quirks and all. Your uniqueness isn’t just acceptable; it’s your superpower in social settings.

The Love Knot Slouchy Bag

Have you noticed some accessories have a chameleon-like quality, effortlessly belonging in any environment? The Love Knot Slouchy Bag is one such item. It’s as much at ease in a sleek corporate boardroom as it is at a casual weekend brunch, adapting to its surroundings with quiet confidence.

This bag’s versatility comes from its thoughtful design. The spacious interior accommodates a laptop and daily essentials, while the removable zip pouch keeps smaller items in check. Its soft faux leather exudes luxury yet remains practical and ethical.

Whether it’s resting beside you during an important meeting or hanging off your chair at a cozy café, the Love Knot Slouchy Bag looks like it belongs, which can, in turn, help you feel like you do, too.

How to Belong

A high-stakes business meeting in a sleek boardroom, a glamorous charity gala filled with unfamiliar faces, or your partner’s family reunion where inside jokes fly over your head – we’ve all encountered moments where we felt like we didn’t quite fit in.

This week, we’re diving into the art of belonging and how it relates to truly charming any room you enter. I’ll share strategies for cultivating inner confidence, and we’ll explore how to embrace your authentic self in any social setting.