As young adults, we are constantly looking at social media. Honestly, I probably follow more celebrities than I do people I actually know. I even have my notifications on for a few of them when they post something. For me, it used to be so difficult to look at a picture of, Kylie Jenner, for example, and not think to myself "Why do I not look like that?" I know so many girls who struggle with their body image, myself included. When you are surrounded by so many beautiful people and so many people who look "perfect", it is hard not to be self conscious.

One day I just decided that I was over feeling bad about myself. It takes so much energy to literally hate yourself, and I didn't have time for it anymore. Trust me, it is not as easy as just saying "Okay, I'm going to love myself now." It is an ongoing process. I even had to delete my Instagram for awhile to help me not compare myself to the girls I see in pictures. I started doing things that made me feel good about myself. I feel like I am prettier with tan skin and dark hair. So I started tanning and dyed my hair brown. I feel prettier when I put tons of highlight on my face and wear dark lipstick, so thats what I began to do everyday. I started to get compliments on how "I am glowing". I hadn't lost weight, and I wasn't doing anything different with my skin care routine. I was "glowing" because I genuinely felt good about myself. Although it could be the insane amount of highlight on my face. Either way, it is a win win.

After I began to feel better about myself and who I was, I downloaded Instagram again. I started scrolling and when I looked at the pictures I no longer felt jealous. I remember I saw a picture of Jaclyn Hill with no makeup on, and she looked so genuinely happy in her own skin. I started to wear less dark lipstick and began to go natural. I felt so good in my own skin. My skin is by no means perfect, I have some acne and I have quite a few freckles, but I decided that I should not only feel good about myself when I am wearing jeans and an overpriced shirt with my hair and makeup done. If I am going to be on this self love journey I have to be comfortable wearing absolutely no makeup and wearing sweatpants. Of course it wasn't easy. I have been wearing makeup since sixth grade, but now I have no problem going places with no makeup. It is more important to love yourself than to care what others think about you. I have heard "Girl, aren't you going to put some makeup on before you go out?" My answer was "Nope. I feel good about myself"

Start doing things that make you feel good about yourself and less things that people want you to do.