When was the last time you put a mirror to your face and reminded yourself that you are phenomenal? The strongest confidence comes from within, and you can set a wonderful example for young people in your life by embracing your unique gifts.
The ladies of our Leadership Development Club participated in a workshop led by local model Marissa Brooks that had a simple lesson at heart: the most important thing you can wear is confidence! Marissa began by asking each young woman to hold a mirror to her face while contemplating the words of Maya Angelou:
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
-Excerpt from Phenomenal Woman
The ladies were then invited one by one to share one thing that they liked about themselves. Answers ranged from “my kindness” to “my smile.”
When the time came to learn “walking with confidence,” the ladies had the opportunity to try on high heels. One member of the group mentioned that she didn’t feel like heels were part of her personal style, so Marissa encouraged her to practice her walk in her own shoes. What a wonderful lesson in individuality! Our members are not made to blend in, but rather they are destined to stand out!
Marissa Brooks (center) teaches the ladies to strike a pose!
As these young women prepare for college, job interviews and promising careers, they will remember and apply the wonderful lessons from our volunteer Marissa: know what makes you phenomenal, embrace what makes you unique, and always walk with confidence – the most important thing you can wear!