Episode 17 - Finding Freedom in Unapologetic Living with Misty Laboy
By Jessica Garrison
As we celebrate the new year, it’s important to remember how far we’ve come over the past year and the clean slate we face with the upcoming one. Our episode with Misty Laboy is perfect to listen to and reflect upon the recent year. Her character traits include empowered, beauty, love, self love, and authenticity. These traits are apparent as she tells us her story and shares her journey.
In supporting women unapologetically, Misty has had an exceptional journey in becoming the person she is today and how she is able to help other women on their own paths. She says she used to think she loved herself because she liked the way she looked in the mirror, but as we learn one way or the other, beauty doesn’t equate to self love. Misty has discovered it’s more about the confidence she feels within and that projects into her physical appearance.
Misty’s current work includes being a transformation coach, helping her clients feel beautiful inside and out. I especially love that Misty helps anyone who identifies as a woman, including both cis and transgender women who are seeking out their true selves. A lot of times we are told that beauty is on the inside as we grow up, but then as we get older, we see those who match society’s standards of beauty being praised or excelling in the minds of others. I think there’s a balance to find within yourself, and what is beautiful to one may not be beautiful to the other. Although I still struggle with self esteem at times, it is miles better than what it was when I was in high school and college; it’s a path you have to embark on in your own time. My confidence affected all other aspects of my life without even realizing it, and I admire Misty supporting women in discovering who they are and being comfortable living in that skin.
Another area she addressed when it comes to supporting women in living unapologetically is social media. Misty is a social media influencer, and she’s not exempt from the pressure to post a perfect life for her followers. We tend to post whatever good is going on in our lives, but there’s always more to a picture than we think. Misty has become more authentic online, owning both the good and the bad parts of her life, sharing that it’s normal to experience these ups and downs. Especially being an influencer, it is such important work she’s doing by letting people know that just because someone’s life may seem perfect far away, everyone has their own struggles and tribulations. Social media can be a great tool or a great hindrance, and it isn’t for everyone. I deleted my Instagram for a while back in college because I found myself comparing too much. These people are traveling to my dream location, this person is so gorgeous, this person is getting married. It’s always good to disconnect from the world of the Internet and appreciate life for what it is—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This blog is only a scratch on the surface of the conversation between Misty and Melissa, so I can’t wait for everyone to hear the rest of the episode. Misty’s website is available for anyone wanting to feel more comfortable in their own skin. Women like her are creating a shift in the world that we need to be able to experience more beauty and more love.
Ways to Engage: Think of some character traits that best describe you. Not ones that are physical or relate to your job. What are some traits that you love about yourself and give you confidence? Mix it up and try to name new ones each time you do this exercise and discover the layers within you that make you the beautiful, complex person you are today.