As a young female I have struggled time and time again with accepting and loving myself as I am. The media and society are always setting out a new standard for what the perfect woman is, and I could never be that even if I tried. Of course, with the media pushing for an improved image of women, I struggled to find love or compassion for myself. I was never going to be good enough.

Or so I thought.

While I was trying to find a way to like myself at the very least, I didn't realize how many people did love me for me. Through these people and their unconditional love for me, I have come to love myself for all that I am and more. I have stopped caring about the standard, and I do what I want. I am happy, I love myself, and I still have amazing people by my side.

So let me take a second to thank you all for letting me be me..

To my Mom, you basically had to love me from day one, but in doing so I know I'd always have someone to love me even if the rest of the world didn't.

To my Dad, thank you for showing me constant compassion and how to be helpful. You have had my back in some of the most trying times, so thank you for not letting me give up on myself.

To my BFF, thank you for being my friend, then not being my friend, and being my friend all over again. You have taught me the value of friendship, and the need for people like you in my life.

To my Family Line, thank you ladies for taking me in and being the family I needed at school. You all have taught me something totally different and unique, and it has allowed me to develop into a better person.

To my Boyfriend, thank you for accepting me for all that I am, both past and present. You have taught me what it is to be completely open with another human being. I know that I can be who I am without hiding or judgement.

I have come to realize it's not the image the media or society sets for us that will allow anyone to love really love themselves. It has been the people I have surrounded myself with and the lessons they have taught me, the acceptance they have shown me, and the love they have given me that has allowed me really love who I am.

Find the your kind of people, ignore what the media and society might think about the person you are. Your uniqueness makes you special, and it defines who you are. Love the people you have, let them love you back, and they will teach you to love yourself. Then, you will be happy with who you are. No one should strive to be the same person as anyone else - more than likely it is unattainable and will not bring you happiness. Enjoy the weird, awesome, one-of-a-kind you!