Dear reader,

Loving yourself is not selfish or cocky. Loving yourself is accepting who you are, presenting yourself with confidence and it adds to daily happiness. Loving yourself sets your own standards; when you love yourself, you know how you deserve to be loved.

For me, it was a long journey. Most times I would look in the mirror, I would focus on the red blotches on my face, or how the space between my thighs did not exist. When you look in the mirror, it is hard to see ourselves. I do not identify with the red blotches or my thighs; I identify with the love I have for others, and the positive attitude I posses everyday. It took years to learn to see myself for more than just what I look like, and I'm sure it is easier for some people than others. As I have recently started my new journey at school, the love I have for myself has helped me in becoming the adult I want to be. So, here is my journey.

I had to start with accepting myself. Yes my nose is very round and sometimes I think my voice sounds funny, but without all of these things, I would be less me. However, the biggest part about accepting myself, was accepting it was not about the appearence, but rather who I am. What about me do I want people to remember; my round nose? Or how I was there for them in a time when they needed someone most? Try to be in charge of your own thoughts, it helps. That is something I love about myself.

Sometimes, people in our lives effect the way we see ourselves, and the outlook we have. So the next step I had to take, was to delete the negativity from my life. Surrounding yourself with positivity really does change your own outlook. Positive people, lead to positive thoughts, which lead to positive changes. It also helps to do things you enjoy to do. Sure you cannot up and quit your job (or maybe you can who am I to tell you what to do) but dedicating more time to a hobby that makes you happy, will do just that: make you happy.

Although the journey was not easy, I have never been happier. Not only with myself, but with the people I have chosen to surround myself with, and the way I present myself everyday. It is much easier to be happy everyday, when you love yourself and love the you that others get to be around. Loving myself, has also made me more confident in the ability of others to love me. I hope you start your journey soon, life is so much better when you love yourself.

Best wishes, reader.