it’s only embarrassing if you think it is
For the longest time, I let the fear of looking dumb stop me from doing so many things I wanted to try. Posting a dancing TikTok. Asking a question in a meeting. Wearing something a little extra to brunch. The voice in my head would say, "That’s embarrassing," and I’d shrink.
But one day, it clicked: it’s only embarrassing if I think it is.
So I stopped thinking that way. And honestly? Life got way more fun.
I was recently listening to A Better You by Fernanda Ramirez—one of my favorite feel-good podcasts—and in one episode, she talked about how she stopped using the word "embarrassing" altogether. Instead, she reframes those moments as "fun" or "funny." I loved that. It made me realize how much power we give a single word. If something awkward or silly happens now, I literally laugh and say, "That was hilarious," instead of cringing. Try it.
The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Embarrassment
Embarrassment is rooted in one thing: the fear of judgment. But most of the time, nobody is paying attention like we think they are. People are wrapped up in their own lives, their own overthinking, their own insecurities.
And even if someone does judge me? That says more about them than it does about me.
And even if someone does judge me? That says more about them than it does about me.
My Personal "Cringe" Moments That Actually Made Me Grow
Let me tell you about a few things I thought were going to be mortifying:
Posting my first vlog when I had no clue how to edit
Asking a brand for UGC work before I had a portfolio
Wearing cowboy boots to a networking event (in a sea of heels)
Every single time, I assumed the worst. But the sky didn’t fall. And more often than not, those "embarrassing" things led to new opportunities or stronger confidence.
Reframing the Cringe: From Embarrassed to Empowered
Here’s how I flipped the script:
1. I Asked: What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
Usually, the worst was someone thinking I was weird. And guess what? That doesn’t matter.
2. I Reminded Myself That Being Seen Is Brave
We’re so used to hiding. It takes guts to be visible, to try something different, to put yourself out there. That’s not embarrassing—that’s badass.
3. I Let Cringe Become a Sign of Growth
If something feels awkward, it means I’m growing. It means I care. It means I’m alive. I started welcoming that feeling instead of pushing it away.
Confidence Comes From Doing It Anyway.
Confidence isn’t something you wake up with. It’s built by doing the scary thing while still feeling scared. And the more I did that? The less I cared what people thought.
So Here’s What I Want You to Know:
You can’t control how people perceive you. You can control how you show up. Life is too short to be small, quiet, and invisible because of imagined embarrassment.
That cringey idea you have? Do it. That outfit that feels a little loud? Wear it. That reel you’re scared to post? Hit publish.
The only thing stopping you is a story you’re telling yourself.
Change the story.
