Growing up in a society where there are high standards is an easy way to diminish any self esteem that once existed. Size 0? Hell no. Nice eyebrows? Probably not. A charming and sociable personality? Good one. Resemblance to a potato at times? Yeah, most definitely. But I tell you what, I'll be the best damn potato you'll ever meet.
Everyone has insecurities, whether they want to admit it or not. Personally, growing up I had a boat load. It is not because I lacked love and affection at home, it's because I was always at war with my own mind. As a second grader, you wouldn't think one would walk around repeating a body-negative mantra. No one will like me because I have a lazy eye. No one will like me because I'm heavier. Perhaps no one will like me because I'm just awkward. As these years passed, I will be the first one to laugh at my own jokes. Yeah I'll eat those chicken nuggets...oh you're giving me the fries too? God bless. "Do you know your eye is drifting?" You already know I'm the first one to joke about my half-googly eye.
What happened between these years to have such a dramatic change in my body image? It's called learning to love myself. The most courageous thing I've done was start the journey of finding myself. Although making many mistakes on this journey, I have forgiven myself which is the first step to learning to being a better you. Throughout all the mistakes, I have learned. On this journey, I have felt pained, betrayed, hurt, anxious and depressed. Though all time times I told myself that this is the end, I found a way to persevere. Tell yourself that this isn't the end. The potential each human has the change the world is tremendous. Just your average people have influenced the nation to move forward in a progressive manor. Did women get to vote just by conforming to social norms? No. If you feel passionate about something stand by it and do not conform just because you fear being different. Embrace what makes you unique.
Instead of thinking about others, think about yourself. There are 7 billion people in the world. Out of all people there's only one of you. As cliche as that sounds it is absolutely true. Be your own legacy. Approach situations with optimism. Have more faith, it doesn't have to be in God or other religious figures, it can just be in yourself. Have a bad day? I will get through this.
The biggest way to love yourself is being kind. Help that elderly woman with her groceries. Hold the door for people. Give out compliments. Tell people how they are important in your life. Volunteer a little more. Smile a little more, frown a little less. You'll be suprised how much helping others boost your own moral. Being kind to others is important, but what is just as important is being kind to yourself. Wake up with a positive outlook. Get ready for the day and look in the mirror and say "Damn, who is that sexy beast." A message from me to you-- you are hot, so work it. Walk around like your celebrity crush is watching you. Head up, shoulders back and strut your stuff.
Let go of negativity in your life. This may be comments you've received, things you've told yourself you couldn't do or something you've failed at. Letting go of toxic people will allow you to heal and understand you deserve the world. It is important to understand yourself worth and not settle for less. You matter. I might not know you reader, but you matter to me, you matter to your friends, family and the community. You are always more than you give yourself credit for.
Be true to yourself. Give yourself time to heal. Have faith in yourself. Believe. Eat the extra piece of cake. Dance a little more. Hurt less, love more. You don't have to love-yourself today, tomorrow or next week but you are capable of building yourself up to be the best you can be.
