This article may get deep, personally for me. But, I feel like it is something that should be discussed. No matter who you are, I feel like everyone has had self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Maybe you are someone who is very okay with who you are, I admire you for that! However, everyone to some extent has either been judged or has judged the reflection they see in the mirror.

I feel like this issue has been so much more prevalent in our day and age. Social media has shown us an "ideal" body type and look that we all should aspire for. Some of us are naturally gorgeous and don't have to try to be fit, or put makeup on, or never had a moment of self-doubt of their appearance. I, for one, have been someone who has always struggled with my weight and my body type. It's one thing for me to notice in the mirror every day that there is some imperfection that should be corrected. But, it's another thing to have someone else tell you constantly that you will never be perfect. Or that you look a little pudgy, or ask if you've been working out, or if you have been watching what you have been eating. Sadly, I have one of those people in my life. They are constantly on me for things that I too wish I could change about myself. That is where my confidence plummets and will always be down.

They have no right to go on telling us that we are anything less than beautiful. They can mind their own business and look for things that make us worthy instead of worthless. I have recently decided to take these snide remarks and comments as a point to prove that I am worth more than what they label me as. I may be fat, wear too much makeup, or have frizzy curly hair, but those are things that don't define me. I am me, no matter what I look like. I am me, no matter who thinks I am less. I am me, and that is pretty unique and special.

I will never be perfect and I know that. I know I could probably shed some weight and become the ideal body type, but I wonder if that happens will I truly be happy? Will I honestly be satisfied with myself even then? I can almost guarantee that there will be more things I want to change about myself. I will look into the mirror and not be happy with the reflection staring back at me. So, yes, that is a personal issue and I am well aware of it. But here is my little pep talk or motivational/inspirational speaker moment! (I will have to take my own advice...)

No matter what you look like on the outside, that can't even touch the beauty that is held within. There is so much more to the book than just the cover, people often judge based off of the cover, but don't bother to delve into the beautiful and unique story within the binding. I know that within you, there is something so perfect and that is your mind and your soul. You can just tell when someone has a radiant personality and a lovely soul. It may be an in-your-face obvious or it may be a quiet-reserved type. Either way, it radiates through the superficial parts of you. Don't spend time obsessing in the mirror.

You are gorgeous. Just be yourself or become a better version of yourself. If there is a goal you want to obtain, GO FOR IT! Put effort to reach it and when you make it, you will be proud of yourself. Then you can prove to everyone who doubted you that you could do it. And that you an do anything that you put your mind to it. You are a force to be reckoned with! Show everyone your true beauty and redefine the label of beauty. Be a role model to those who struggle with the same things you do. Show that it beauty is more than what meets the eye. Don't worry about those who doubt you or judge you. There is one of two things that they could be (1) jealous of you or (2) not worth your time. Most likely anyone who constantly does these things to bring you down or to diminish your confidence, they aren't worth your thoughts, breath, or worthy of being a part of your life. Easier said than done, but you can truly take into consideration the thoughts and opinions of those who care and love you unconditionally. Forget those who don't support or who don't want the best for you. Love yourself and allow people to fall in love with you. (For the right reasons.) Remember always that: "You is kind, you is smart, you is important" -From the movie The Help.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hopefully you find it in yourself year to truly become proud to be yourself! Be confident, be beautiful, be you!