We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sha’na Cain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sha’na , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing my confidence and self esteem has been a life long journey. Initially, my sense of esteem for myself was based on a false sense of self; superficial/material accomplishments, societal norms and the validation of those outside of me. I’ve learned that, esteem that is built on the unstable foundation of outward accomplishment and social validation is sure to be fickle and weak. Intensely focusing on myself and the development of my self, has helped me develop a stronger sense of confidence and self esteem. Instead of blindly following societal norms of carrying out familial patterns and cycles, I’ve intentionally took time to peel back the layers of conditioning; both social and familial, in order to discover what it truly means to be and take care of me. Intentionally, making time to discover and study me—figuring out what I desire and what I need, personally. Researching and uncovering the secrets to continually flourishing and blossoming. By turning this intentional focus on self into daily habits and self care practices and ultimately a lifestyle, I began to take pride in my life and my being. Self love has a way of boosting your self esteem.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an artist, my favorite form of expression is photography combined with poetry. I specialize in nature and brand photography. I am known for the pictures I take of flowers, butterflies, and bees paired with my conscious poetry. I like to think of myself as a celebrity in the flower, butterfly, and bee community. I am most proud of my awareness and ability to be observant and a witness to the beauty of the world around and within me. It’s very easy to be consumed by our problems and the chaos of the world. It’s so easy to succumb to pessimism and hyper-focus on all the ugliness we are shown and experience.
All of my photos on instagram are available for print. I am also available for brand photography.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
This journey has required faith beyond measure, determination and a strong sense of self-belief. Development of these qualities is a direct result of intentionally shifting my focus from the external world to my internal energy. Cultivating self awareness leads to knowledge of self. Intentionally, unlearning familial and societal norms, in order to learn and understand the laws of the universe (which are governing our experience on earth) and the specific energies involved in our personal design using tools like Astrology, Human Design and Numerology. Shifting our focus and reprioritizing ourselves, instantly creates a shift in our reality. Opening us up to new levels of determination, self esteem and faith.
My advice would be to slow down, create room for curiosity, stillness and increased levels of self awareness. Dig deep to discover and uncover the layers of societal and familial programming. This can be done by asking yourself introspective questions about your thoughts, actions and beliefs.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I think we all constantly face, is the reprogramming of our brain; so that we are in a constant state of remembrance, allowing ourselves to co-create the reality of our dreams. Instead of allowing external factors and perceived limitations to influence our internal state of being. Strengthening our faith, through daily practices that keep us centered, so that circumstances outside of our control, do not cause us to waiver is key in resolving our difficulty with remembering. Remaining mindful of the power of our intentions and our ability to create our reality keeps me determined, motivated and empowered to overcome any and all things.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/by.shana
- Twitter: X.com/tweetsbyshana
- Other: tiktok.com/@toksbyshana?_t=8ceXSqWJszb&_r=1
Image Credits
Sha’na Cain
