Going off of my previous article, I wanted to share a few things that have happened to me since I started loving myself more. It's crazy how much of a difference self-love can make in your life. It's incredible! So much has changed since I started my journey, and hopefully, these few things can motivate others to make a change for the better.

1. You smile more.

Overall, you are so much happier. I've been waking up with a smile on my face more times than not. Of course, you will still have bad days and some days you aren't as happy as others, but you start loving the feeling of how your smile feels and looks.

2. You stop comparing yourself to other people as much.

No, I'm not saying that you won't sometimes compare yourself to others, but it won't be as often. I've also noticed that when I do compare myself to someone else now, I don't usually cut myself down while doing it. I can say some things like, "Wow. Her hair is so pretty. I wish mine was that long." Instead of, "Wow. Her hair is so pretty; my hair is brittle and it sucks. I wish I had her hair." See the difference? There's a big difference in degrading yourself and just admiring something about another person. It is very important to learn the difference between the two. You were given your frizzy, hard-to-deal-with hair for a reason. You are different and unique. You've got to remember that there is always someone else looking at you, admiring what's different about you that they don't have. You're special and you were made the way you were for a reason. There's only one of you.

3. Negative thoughts don't come across your mind as often.

I'm not saying that you will forever be cured, but the negative thoughts stop pouring in. My brain hasn't been filled with as much self-doubt as it used to be. I try to take challenges that I'm faced with and turn them into something positive. Whether the problem I am faced with tests my strength or not, I know that I'm going to come out just fine. Hardships only grow strength and belief in yourself; don't stop believing that something better is just around the corner.

4. You're more peaceful and content.

I have noticed that it is so much easier for me to be more relaxed and not as stressed out about things. There are some things that are put in your life that you just can't change. Believing in yourself and loving yourself with all your faults will help you get through your pain. You can do better, and you can make it through whatever is troubling you. Believe in yourself, sit back, relax, and enjoy life for what it is. LIFE. Life is full of hardships and facing them isn't always easy, but knowing you can make it through them is amazing.

5. You start accepting compliments and are more confident.

What? Really? Girls are allowed to accept compliments and not be coy about it? Yes. You are. No, I'm not saying reply with, "Oh, I know *hair-flip*". No, that's just annoying. A simple "Thank you so much!" and a huge smile will make the other person feel amazing for sharing what they feel about you, and you will feel amazing that they said it. I've noticed that now that I do this instead of saying something negative like, "This dress? Thank you, but it's so old!" that doesn't make the smile fade off of the person's face that complimented you. They, instead, reply with, "You're so welcome! Have a great day!" or something like that. I've also noticed that I don't look at the ground as much when I walk. I hold my head up and enjoy everything around me. I'm at peace, and appreciating the world around you is so much more amazing when you appreciate yourself for being in it.