In times like today, it is hard not to compare yourself to others via social media, magazines celebrities, etc. Makeup trends, hair trends, clothes trends — it seems as though the world is staring at you and asking if you're not with the current trends, then what are you doing? The majority of the time, comparison leads to self-doubt; and that feeling tends to linger the more you compare yourselves to others. We all know, it’s not a fun feeling. Also, in these times, it seems as though many are reliant on love from others as their only dosage of love for themselves.

Merriam-webster defines self-love as, “[a] regard for one's own happiness or advantage.” Though everyone has their own definition of the phrase self-love, at the age of 19, I am finally wrapping my head around my own version of it.

For the longest time, I brought myself down and allowed myself far too many times to compare myself to others. Now I'm not saying I stopped doing this permanently (I mean, honestly, it's hard not to), but I am so happy that I am at the point in my life where I am beginning to appreciate me for me. I can stand here and without cringing tell you that I do love myself, and love what I am capable of; more importantly, I'm not reliant on others for confirmation of things about me, or for the need of acceptance and love of others. I now have enough of that for myself and embrace me for me. I think that is so very important. It is so important for one to make their own self their top priority, to love them unconditionally. It does take time, and there is no rush, but my hope is that we all get to that point, someday.