By Wellbeing Psychologist and Nature Therapist Amy Steadman
Nature has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. Whether it's through the quiet of the forest or the power of the ocean, nature can guide us back to the version of ourselves that feels confident, grounded and truly alive.
But along the way, we can lose that connection. We start comparing ourselves to others, doubting our worth, and holding back parts of who we are just to fit in. It’s an easy trap to fall into, but the good news is, we can always find our way back. Nature is a great place to start.
AUTHENTICITY: The Key to Confidence
Living authentically means being true to ourselves, not pretending to be something we’re not. And that’s where confidence begins — when we embrace who we really are. Think about a huge tree in the forest. It doesn’t question its worth or try to be anything other than what it is. Its branches stretch out with pride, standing tall and solid.
We can learn a lot from that tree. Nature is full of examples of things that are beautifully authentic. A display of uniqueness in nature is not seen as odd; it’s seen as remarkable. How can we consider our own uniqueness in the same way?
REWILDING: A Journey Back to Yourself
Have you ever felt disconnected from who you truly are? Like you're just going through the motions? Rewilding is the process of reconnecting with your true, natural self — the part of you that’s been buried under all the noise of everyday life.
It’s not about running off to the wilderness (though that always helps). It’s about taking time for yourself, getting quiet, and rediscovering your voice. Whether it’s through solo travel, or simply spending time alone with your thoughts, the goal is to get back to the raw, authentic part of you.
CONFIDENCE: Embrace What Makes You Different
One of the most powerful steps to building confidence is learning to embrace what makes you different. Think about all the unique creatures in nature — a bird with colorful feathers, a whale with unusual markings, or a tree that seems to grow upside down. These anomalies aren’t considered weird; they’re celebrated. Why? Because being different is beautiful. It stands out, and it has significance.
We often forget to celebrate what makes us different. Instead of trying to fit in, why not stand out and be proud of what makes you unique? It could be your sense of humour, your creative talent, or maybe even a quirk that you’ve always thought of as "odd." These things make you who you are, and they’re worth embracing.
Nature doesn’t waste time comparing itself to others. A hummingbird doesn’t envy a woodpecker, and a tree doesn’t wish it were a rosebush. Every living thing has its own unique role to play, and so do you.
SHADOWS: Accepting All Parts of Yourself
Self-confidence doesn’t come from pretending to be perfect. It comes from accepting all parts of ourselves — the light and the dark. Think about your shadow. When you stand with the sun behind you, your shadow is cast in front of you. That shadow represents the parts of yourself you might try to avoid: the difficult emotions, the past regrets, the flaws you wish would disappear.
But here’s the thing: your shadow is part of you. Just as the sun and the shadow are inseparable, so too are your light and dark parts. Embrace them both. When you do, you become whole. Your shadow proves you’re solid, present, and real. It shows you that you are fully here.
HOW TO BUILD TRUE CONFIDENCE
True confidence doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s something you build, step by step, through practice. Here are a few things you can do to cultivate more confidence in your life:
1. Accept compliments – When someone compliments you, don’t brush it off. Say thank you and let it sink in.
2. Learn to say no – It’s okay to set boundaries. You don’t have to say yes to everything.
3. Challenge yourself – Push yourself outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just a little at a time.
4. Recognise your strengths – Focus on what you’re good at, and celebrate it.
5. Embrace your flaws – Nobody’s perfect. Learn to love the parts of you that aren’t flawless.
6. Set realistic goals – Break your bigger goals into smaller, achievable steps.
7. Practice positive self-talk – Replace negative thoughts with kind, affirming words about yourself.
Remember, your habits shape who you become. If you want to be more confident, start by making small changes to how you view and treat yourself.
AUTHENTICITY AND EMPATHY
Finally, let’s talk about a big truth: authenticity without empathy isn’t enough. Just because you’re being true to yourself doesn’t mean you should disregard others. Authenticity should never come at the expense of kindness or respect. It’s about being real while also considering the feelings of those around you. You can be yourself and still be compassionate.
YOU ARE YOUR TRUE NATURE
A tree without leaves is still a tree, and a rosebush without flowers is still a rosebush. In the same way, no matter what you’re going through, you’re still you—whole and enough, just as you are. Nature reminds us to stop chasing perfection and just be real. It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about letting go of what holds you back and owning who you are. So take a deep breath, stand tall, and show up as yourself. That’s more than enough.
