The one lesson I've learned from life: Katie Piper says to be confident you must make peace with your past
- TV presenter and author Katie Piper suffered a horrific acid attack in 2008
- She has had skin grafts on her face after her ex boyfriend threw the liquid at her
- Now pregnant with her second child, she lives with her husband and daughter
- She says that in order to go forward, you must accept what has happened to you
Recently, as I was giving a motivational speech to hundreds of people, I realised it wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. I’d have turned the invitation down, convinced I’d be too terrified.
The first time I spoke publicly, I was scared, of course. But the more I did it, the more confident I became, and nowadays it feels quite natural.
So what happened to change my mind? I’d made peace with my past and had freed myself from all its negativity. This let me become more confident and able to take advantage of opportunities that came my way.
It was hard not to let the acid attack affect me for a long time. I was left partially blind, with severe scarring that required reconstructive surgery.
Katie Piper was attacked by her ex partner in 2008 when he threw acid in her face. She needed facial reconstructive surgery and was left partially blind
For about three years afterwards, I held on to the trauma and put much of my energy into remembering the past. But it meant I lacked the resources to make the most of my future — I was going over old ground rather than creating new.
A few years ago, I took my therapist’s advice to do life coach online seminars and read self-help books. I found them helpful, especially Tony Robbins, Kate Hayes and Oprah Winfrey’s newsletter.
I became more assertive and found the confidence to tell people who constantly questioned me about the attack that I didn’t want to talk about it.
Putting the past to bed didn’t happen naturally, I had to work at it. I have to remind myself not to slip back, but it’s worth it as I lead a calmer, happier life.
I still find myself hanging on to some things for too long, such as if I’ve done a job and not prepared properly as I’ve been busy. It knocks my confidence weeks later. I have to tell myself to prepare better in future and move on.
Letting go of the past is something many of us could benefit from. We carry around stuff from our childhood, old relationships or nasty things that have been said to us, and let it ruin our future. You learn a lot from making peace with it.
KATIE Piper is touring in March 2018. For details on her charity visit katiepiperfoundation.org.uk.
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