h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I used to have lousy self-esteem. And then one day, it just came to me. If you don't have it, fake it until you do. ACT like you don't care that so-and-so doesn't like you, or that you know what you're talking about (but be willing to be called on it!), walk around like you really *do* own the place.

Sooner or later, you'll start to realize that that attitude is becoming real, like for me, it was the day that I walked into a graduate seminar as an undergraduate, and acted like it was the most normal thing in the world. The grad students didn't know until the second week that I wasn't "one of them" and by then, it didn't matter.

And when you feel that self-confidence/ esteem slipping, do something you know how to do well, be it painting, or writing, or being silly. It comes back.

And ALWAYS remember that even those of us who seem like we have it all together? Sometimes, we don't. We doubt ourselves, cry, etc. The difference is, we get it out, over and done with, and then we get up and carry on with our lives. Ya can't be strong all the time. It gets old.

So, the next time you feel small and doubt your abilities, FAKE IT!

That is so true. Sometimes you just have to fake it. I used to be all shy and retiring, until my grandmother told me to try pretending I ruled the world... and now I do, in my head at least and it really helps! I can wear what I like and get away with talking about things I know nothing about really, and it doesn't matter because I love me even if nobody else does.
So, thanks Granny

See? If you act like you can't be messed with, people stop messing with you.

Precisely.
I like the word Lothlorien, too, by the way. And Galadriel. I always think Elvish sounds a bit like Welsh or Gaelic or something, pretty...