There are many influences in society that stress the need to be as beautiful as possible. For those who do not meet this "ideal," there is a sense of failure. As if your success is based on how skinny or pretty you can become.

The problem is simply that no one can ever really meet perfection. The concept is constantly changing. One moment you're supposed to have a thigh gap, and the next it is crucial to curves like Kim Kardashian.

I have been there. I have been so obsessed with how I look that I forgot about things that really matter in life.

I read an article once from the perspective of a daughter who wrote about her mother's insecurities. She discussed challenges mothers face such as wearing a bathing suit after having a baby. The daughter made a very valid point. She claimed that she never remembered her mother looking fat in a bikini or having cellulite on her legs. Instead, she remembered how much she loved spending time with someone she loved.

I believe we forget this concept all too often. We search love in everything we do. Somehow, in our fucked up realities, we convinced ourselves that we will be loved more if we are stereotypically beautiful.

Excuse my language, but that is bullshit.

When we chase the appearance ideal, we lose the things that make us uniquely beautiful. Why would we all want to look the same?

Every curve, wrinkle, freckle, and quirk about your body makes you the most perfect version of yourself. Sometimes it is hard to see this. I know how hard it is to accept yourself for who you are. It is so easy to get caught up in the "I wish I was" rather than the "I am happy I am."

But life is short, it is purposeful and meaningful. Occasionally, it hurts. Peoples words are cruel. Right when you are happy with yourself, someone will knock you down again. Do not let them keep you down.

Be bold. Do not be afraid to love yourself for who you are.

Honestly, there have been periods of my life where I hate myself. I hate my weight, my height, my hair, my nose, sometimes i think my neck is too fat, and my butt is saggy.

However, I know that most of these are in my head. I know that for the most part, I am the only one who cares about these things because my friends love me for me. The were my friends at my fattest and my thinnest. They loved me through it all.

In honor of overcoming the negativity we all succumb to at some point I complied a list of 50 things I would rather be than pretty. At the end of the day, I hope people remember me for something important.

1. Smart

2. Funny

3. Strong

4. Genuine

5. Kind

6. Open-minded

7. Loyal

8. Vivacious

9. Curious

10. Humble

11. Bold

12. Ambitious

13. Independent

14. Clever

15. Brave

16. Honest

17. Inspirational

18. Friendly

19. Outgoing

20. Engaging

21. Respected

22. Silly

23. Confident

24. Authentic

25. Fun

26. Supportive

27. Patient

28. Captivating

29. Insightful

30. Badass

31. Empathetic

32. Quirky

33. Dedicated

34. Caring

35. Generous

36. Freethinking

37. Healthy

38. Optimistic

39. Personable

40. Responsible

41. Witty

42. Charming

43. Helpful

44. Loving

45. Trustworthy

46. Dignified

47. Reckless

48. Classy

49. Patient

50. Fearless

So, every time you feel like the world is too large and you are too small. Remember all the amazing things that make you unique.