In a society that bases all opinions and perceptions of an individual on physical appearance it is not hard to believe that we have learned to dislike ourselves a bit more with each passing moment. Media creates an ideal image of "perfection" that we all try to become and that leads us to base our entirety on an unhealthy drive to alter our appearance. What I found to be so disappointingly common is how we unravel ourselves at such young ages and pick apart at our faults, to only later on in life relearn to love ourselves.

Early on in an individual's life we must remind them that they are perfect just the way they are, and continue to build up a level of confidence within them so this constant pushing of societal perfection does not make them think that they aren't enough. This could lead to serious internal anxiety and create a stigma within a person that they are not worthy to be loved, and this is because they cannot love themselves when every outlet around them is telling them not to.

During this summer one of the children at my camp expressed to me her hatred for her fiery curls and brown eyes and it hurt me to think that what she wanted was that barbie doll image, blonde hair, blue eyes, and basically everything the world says is beautiful. For a young girl no older than ten say that she doesn't think she looks good enough is sick and sad and just shouldn't be happening.

It took me 20 years to regain confidence in myself and 20 years of reminding myself I am worth it, some never even get that chance. What helped me was learning that beauty doesn't come from a singular source but from all around the world, and what one person finds aesthetically pleasing another won't. It only matters when you do.