Dear Flaws.

I love you.

Now, I know we haven't had some of the best times. Sometimes thinking about them brings me back to that certain moment. Moments where I left my plate untouched, covered you up with makeup and layers of clothes. But as I've gotten older, I've been learning how to appreciate everything about you. And yes, that even includes the bad parts.

So, I thought I'd take this time to tell you how much each of you means to me.

To my nose, I've had a hard time with you. I have to look at you every time I see my face in the mirror. Praying when I was younger that when I was older I would get surgery to fix your bump. Because I wanted a perfect slope that was easy to slide down. Always hating taking pictures of myself because you never looked good in any of them. But now you fit so well with my face that replacing you brings me guilt. So, I've learned to smile more when I see you appear in my mirror and the camera on my phone.

To my hip bones that stick out, I always wished you would be replaced with some extra meat around there. Sometimes when I sleep I can't stay on one side for too long because you dig into my mattress. I wish you weren't the only reason I have a small inkling of curves. But you look good in those high waisted jeans and tight dress. We've been getting a lot of compliments from our outfit choices. So, thank you.

To my hair, god I wish I could make up my mind with you. When I have you long I just put you up and don't care. When I have you short I leave you down and put zero effort into you and wait for you to get longer. I hate having you down because you get in the way. I used to pray for straight hair but I got disgusting waves instead that can't be tamed. Sometimes I think about shaving you all off, but then I think about how I would still hate you and myself more for doing that. But I woke up today and was able to look in the mirror and like how you looked. It's baby steps with you, but so far so good.

To my skin, I see you, I can't help it. I've had my fair share of struggles with you. From hating how easily you burn in the summer, how quick your tiny hairs grow back on my legs and underarms, and now something new I've had to face. Because I can't ignore it. I see your tiny and even reasonably sized red patches all over me. The ones that itch and left me embarrassed while on vacation where every day required wearing a bathing suit, tank top, and shorts. I still see you now when I get out of the shower and do my best to cover up fast so I don't have to see you. But you're something I have to deal with and as much as I hate to see you I know I just have to be extra kind to you to help you heal.

To my ribcage that shows up whenever I lay down or take off my shirt. You're always there, I can't change that. Trust me, I've been eating so much to try and make it different. I did everything to cover you up, embarrassing when any guy would trace their hands or lips down my body and then freeze up once they got there. Feeling like I would be crushed whenever someone was on top of me, like little branches on a tree waiting to break off. But you keep me together so I'll trace my fingers along your sides and hear sweet melodic piano music with your keys.

Lastly, to my thighs. congratulations, you finally touch now. I'm so glad you've both finally met. You were separated for most of my life. But some weight got brought down to you after all those years of hating myself for eating too much because it wouldn't go anywhere. Salads got replaced with fries. I'll never go back because you two make such a great pair. Don't let go.

You see, you've made me into the woman I am today. And I could sit here and look into the full body mirror in my room and continue to pick each and every one of you apart. But I don't want to do that anymore. Because my mom didn't spend nine months carrying me in her stomach for me to come out and hate myself for everything I can't change.

I'm not perfect, you didn't give me everything I wanted. But you know what, that's what I love the most about you.

So, go smash that mirror and don't for a second waste another minute when you have so much more going for you than wanting clear skin, more curves, silky straight hair, a perfect slope nose and more meat on your bones.

You're so much more beautiful the way you are.

I promise.