It was a Friday night when I boarded the bus from Faro to Lisbon, excited and eager for the event that promised to deepen the positioning and presence of the feminine in today’s world without losing femininity. After an intense week, juggling the responsibilities of being a single mother and everything else life demands, I carefully packed my suitcase. I chose my favorite dresses, elegant shoes, and the perfume that makes me feel powerful. Everything was ready. I was ready.

I wanted to be impeccable in front of a group of successful and dazzling women. My presence needed to reflect confidence and magnetism, and for that, my armor was meticulously prepared. But the universe had other plans for me.

During the trip, the driver made no stops. After three hours, I could hardly think about anything other than my desperate need to use the bathroom. As soon as the bus arrived at its destination, I rushed out, completely forgetting my suitcase. It was only later, past midnight, that I realized what had happened. From 11:30 PM to 2:00 AM, I contacted the transport company, searched for solutions, and rode an emotional rollercoaster. The event was scheduled for 9:30 AM the next morning, and I had none of the things I had so carefully prepared.

The only viable solution was to accept the generosity of a younger friend who lent me some clothes. But there was an important detail: she had a completely different body type and a style completely opposite to mine.

The next morning, I arrived at the five-star hotel and was received exactly as I had imagined: a sea of impeccably dressed women. Perfect makeup, styled hair, elegant outfits. And there I was, dressed in something completely different from what I had envisioned. In the first moments, I felt like that insecure little schoolgirl, misplaced and inadequate. It was as if, without my armor, I had lost my place.

But then, I took a deep breath.

The universe had given me an unexpected challenge—an opportunity to connect with my inner confidence and find my strength without external crutches.

And it was magical.

Throughout the event, I realized that my presence went far beyond my outfit or appearance. The way I expressed myself, the way I looked into people’s eyes, the way I carried myself—that was what truly made a difference. Despite the initial discomfort, the experience turned out to be profoundly transformative. I discovered that, even without my usual armor, I was still magnetic, beautiful, and secure.

This episode made me reflect on how often we condition our self-confidence to what we wear, to what we show the world. But true strength comes from within.

In transformational coaching and spirituality, we work deeply on connecting with our authentic selves. The solar plexus chakra, located in the abdomen, is the center of our self-esteem and personal power. When balanced, it allows us to radiate confidence, assertiveness, and natural magnetism. However, when blocked or weakened, we seek external validation through clothing, status, or social recognition.

Breathing also plays a fundamental role in this process. Throughout that morning, I noticed that whenever I felt small, a simple deep breathing exercise helped me recenter myself. Conscious inhalation, expanding the solar plexus, was the key to reminding myself of who I am beyond my external appearance.

This experience reinforced that, regardless of brands, clothing, or social makeup, if we cultivate self-knowledge and strengthen our essence, no setback can diminish our light. True femininity is not in what we wear but in the security and presence we cultivate within ourselves.

And you? Where have you placed your confidence? Does your armor define who you are, or does it merely amplify what already exists within you?