anasebrahem

[anasebrahem]

Some days, I whisper to myself “I want to be the best.”

Other days, I can barely breathe through the weight of it all and say “I want to disappear.”

The truth is, both voices come from the same place a place that wants to matter.

A place that’s tired of pretending, tired of performing and just wants to feel enough.

This isn’t about attention. It’s about the quiet ache of carrying everything alone.

Of holding yourself to impossible standards and punishing yourself when you fall short.

But here’s what I’ve learned You can want to be great and still feel like breaking.

You can dream big and still need help.

You can have ambition and pain in the same breath.

So if you’ve ever felt both You’re not weak. You’re human.

And being human is not something to escape. It’s something to honor.

You don’t need to be the best.

You just need to be here.

Alive. Real. Still trying.

And that, in itself, is something remarkable.

[anasebrahem]

[anasebrahem]

The Inside-Out Glow-Up

How to Stop Playing Small & Start Moving Like a Winner

There’s a difference between people who are just seen and people who are felt. The latter don’t beg for attention, they just walk into a room and shift the atmosphere. That’s the glow-up no one talks about—the kind that starts inside and radiates outward.

I thought a glow-up was about changing my hair, my wardrobe, my face. But what actually changed my life? My energy.

Here’s how I stopped playing small and started moving like the winner I was always meant to be.

Step 1: The Identity Shift – Becoming "That Person"

If you’re waiting for something external to confirm you’re important (money, attention, approval), you’ll always feel like something is missing. The glow-up happens when you wake up one day and decide:

I am interesting, valuable, magnetic—before anyone else says it.

I deserve to take up space and be seen.

I no longer play down my personality to make others comfortable.

Ask yourself: If I were already the most powerful, glowing version of me—how would I think? How would I move? What would I tolerate?

Then start acting like that.

Immediately.

Step 2: Unlearning Self-Sabotage & Small Energy

A lot of us were conditioned to be “humble,” to be “likable,” to dim ourselves down. But let’s be real—playing small has never helped anyone win.

Speaking softly so you don’t sound “too much”? Stop it.

Sitting back when you know you have something to say? Stop it.

Not going after what you want because “what if I fail”? Stop it.

Winners aren’t afraid to be seen trying. And trust me, people can feel when you doubt yourself. The second you start believing you belong in the spotlight, the world will reflect it back to you.

Step 3: The Energy Glow-Up – Embodying Unapologetic Presence

Confidence isn’t just posture or outfits (though, yes, those help). It’s the subtle way you exist that makes people remember you.

Speak slower. Move with certainty. Rushed energy screams insecurity.

Make eye contact. Like you expect people to listen when you talk.

Stop over-explaining. Say what you mean, then stop talking.

Carry yourself like you have somewhere important to be. Even if it’s just a coffee run.

People should feel something different when they’re around you. Like they just met someone important. Because they did.

Step 4: Raising Your Standards in Every Area

Here’s the truth: when you glow up internally, you’ll stop tolerating things that don’t align with your highest self.

Low-effort friendships? No, thanks.

Situationships with people who don’t see your worth? Not my vibe.

Doubting yourself before you even try? That’s embarrassing.

Once you start seeing yourself as the prize, the whole world starts treating you that way too.

Step 5: Moving Like a Winner (Before the World Recognizes It)

You don’t become magnetic, successful, iconic by waiting for permission. You do it by deciding:

“I’m already her.”

“I already have what it takes.”

“It’s just a matter of time before the world catches up.”

And then you start walking, talking, living like that’s the truth. Because it is.

The glow-up isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about uncovering who you were always meant to be.

So stop playing

[anasebrahem]

Beauty AND brains. Your knowledge is your weapon.

Let's not only be insanely beautiful but also disgustingly educated. Other than discipline and hard work, your knowledge is your weapon in this world of chaos, something that you can sharpen and use.

Where can you expand your knowledge? What areas, what topics

How can you expand your knowledge? In different circumstances and preferences such as if you're too busy or if you have a short attention span

Where can you expand your knowledge?

I DO NOT mean that you need to be an expert at everything. You don't need multiple degrees for each type of intelligence. However, if you want to sharpen your weapon, sharpen your knowledge.

These are the areas where you CAN sharpen your knowledge AND the areas where you SHOULD know the basics in:

Emotional, Communication, Morals, Ethics. Be human, and make others feel human too. Cultivate empathy, understand mental health, build your conscience, and differentiate right from wrong. Communicate frequently and effectively.

History, Culture, Politics. The world is chaotic — learn to stand your ground. Understand history, politics, corruption, culture, and the overlooked heroes. Know what shaped the past to navigate the future.

Digital Literacy. The internet is a double-edged sword. Learn to navigate it safely, protect your privacy, spot misinformation, and adapt to evolving technology.

Manners, Etiquette, Body Language. The way you present yourself matters. Respect others, read unspoken cues, and master the art of presence.

Self-Sufficiency, Life Skills, Livelihood. You won’t always have someone to rely on. Cook, clean, manage time, handle money, and adapt to life’s challenges. Be independent.

Literature, Language, Writing. Words are power. Read, write, and communicate with depth. Language shapes history, culture, and thought—use it wisely.

Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving. The world isn’t black and white. Question everything, analyze critically, recognize manipulation, and think for yourself. Don't be swayed easily by others.

Science and Math. The foundation of everything. At least know the basics, enough to understand the forces shaping the world — logic, numbers, and the universe itself.

Self-Care, Hygiene, Fitness, Health. Your body and mind are your greatest assets. Eat well, stay active, manage stress, and prioritize your well-being before it’s too late.

How can you expand your knowledge?

When you have free time When you're busy When you prefer learning visually When you have little to no attention span

You are what you consume. Now that you know what topics you can expand your knowledge on, these are what you can use / do to consume those information:

Have some free time? Do / use these

Read books, take online courses, or watch in-depth documentaries. (Example: history books, finance courses, science explainers) Engage in discussions or debates to refine your thinking. (Example: politics, ethics, critical thinking) Try hands-on learning like experiments, DIY projects, or journaling. (Example: cooking, coding, writing) Attend workshops, seminars, or community events.

Too busy? Do / use these

Listen to podcasts or audiobooks while traveling, doing tasks / work / school work, or doing chores. (Example: podcasts on Spotify / Tiktok, Youtube videos where the creator is more on speaking, audiobooks on Audible or by downloading a free e-pub format e-book online then uploading it into Google Playbooks and using the audiobook / text-to-speech format) Follow bite-sized content on social media. (Example: short educational / history Tiktok videos, digital literacy infographics, photos on Pinterest) Take advantage of apps and tools for productivity, learning, etc. (Example: budgeting apps, language-learning apps) Watch short, informative videos during breaks. (Example: TED-Ed, Ted Talks, short Tiktok videos)

Like to learn visually / by watching? Do / use these

Watch video explainers, documentaries, or animated infographics. Use apps that gamify learning. (Example: Duolingo for language, Codecademy for coding) Follow visually engaging content creators. (Example: finance charts, body language breakdowns) Make mind maps or illustrated notes to break down complex topics. (Example: self-care routines, political structures, problem-solving techniques)

Little to no attention span? Do / use these

Learn through short-form content like TikToks, reels, or infographics. Play interactive or gamified learning apps. (Example: strategy games, trivia quizzes) Follow meme-based or storytelling-style education accounts. Try hands-on, fast-paced activities. (Example: debate flash rounds, real-world problem-solving challenges, DIY experiments)

Begin small, learn the basics, take a step at a time, and start from there. Be BOTH beauty and brains. You have a weapon (your knowledge), sharpen it and use it.

[anasebrahem]

You are your biggest project. How exciting is it that, at any given moment, you have the power to mold yourself into the idealized version you carry in your mind? That’s the beauty of leveling up—bringing to life a person who first existed only inside of you, waiting to be revealed to the world.

When you feel like slacking in your fitness, diet, faith, standards, education, or career, remember: you are a work in progress. Staying consistent in those areas is what transforms the caterpillar into the butterfly. Your evolution is already happening, so keep going

[anasebrahem]

erin lecount, sweet fruit

[anasebrahem]

They said no. I built yes.

I was never the chosen one. So I chose myself.

Every wall became a stepping stone. Every doubt became fuel.

Most settle for good enough. I refused that path.

The hard times did not break me. They made me whole.

When others sleep, I work. When they quit, I push harder.

My success speaks louder than words. My journey tells the real story.

I do not just overcome problems. I transform because of them.

Pressure does not crush me. It reveals what I am made of.

This life I built proves one truth: what tries to stop you can become your greatest strength.

The fire that should have burned me only lit my way forward.

#RiseAbove #NoLimits #BuildYourLegacy

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Valerie Bois for Saint Ivory NYC

source

[anasebrahem]

"How can I go after it, instead of it coming after me" is an amazing way of changing the dynamic to our favour.

[anasebrahem]

How often do you have conversations that allow you to speak passionately without restraint?

[anasebrahem]

[anasebrahem]