Nice post! It's refreshing to see the topic of empowerment here on Steemit. I have grown into a confident person through my 20s (I just turned 33), from being a shy teen. I always loved myself, but I was too afraid of criticism when I was younger. I always wanted positive feedback. Negative feedback would crush me. I was paralyzed from really putting myself out there. My biggest tip for self confidence is don't be afraid to be disliked or not well-received. I gain more self-confidence and self-reliance when I decided to act within my personal integrity and speak from the heart. That way, it matters less what the outcome is, and I can love myself for being myself. Thanks for the food for thought!