As a performance artist, who is also a vocal coach and teacher, I have the wonderful privilege of meeting and getting to know women of all ages. Many of them eventually become my students, being aspirant, amateur or professional singers. Preparing and training them for a career on stage, we necessarily reach the point in which we have to discuss their self-confidence, since the latter is a vital ingredient of the tools of any performing artist. I am always astonished by how many of these gorgeous women, young and mature alike, has an unbelievably low self-esteem, despite the fact that they are beautiful, intelligent, talented, kind, loving and caring human beings.
In the light of this, knowing many women of different nations, cultures and professions lacking vital confidence, I wrote the following letter as a reminder of important values; ones which we tend to forget and which I hope will inspire all humans, and especially women, to be more confident in themselves. It can be printed out and added to a special space in the home where it can be read it every day, as a daily reminder that we are all beautiful, powerful and blessed in so many ways. Please share it in all your circles.
A Daily Letter to Myself
(Louise du Toit - 26 January 2014)
Today I will embrace life even more than yesterday.
I will remind myself that I am beautiful, because I am alive. I can breathe, love, laugh, smile, dream, create, think, learn and grow.
I will remind myself that I am powerful, because I can help other beings. I can nurture and protect them, show them kindness and compassion, give them love, raise their self-esteem; make them realize that each one of them is precious, special and worthy.
I will remind myself that I am blessed, because there is beauty and joy all around me. I can find it in the smallest things, in the most seemingly insignificant gestures of kindness, in the hidden acts of love which are subtly expressed.
I will remind myself that I am on an exquisite journey. I will take on its many challenges without fear; trust that I can overcome its obstacles and surpass its difficulties. I will realize that I am walking on a fascinating trail, one with purpose and meaning, one in which I can make a difference.
Award-winning South African artist, Louise du Toit, is a musician, singer, composer, arranger, lyricist, writer, actress and painter. She has chosen to use her songs and art to spread a worldwide message of peace and environmental and wildlife preservation, working towards the well-being of all living creatures on earth.