To whoever is reading this,

You're probably reading this because you feel like you are not anyone's favorite person, or you feel like you're the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) of your group, or something of that nature. I am here to tell you that you are not alone. You are not the only one who feels that way, and you are not the DUFF of your friend group.

We all go through times when we are really down on ourselves, or just feel like we are not good enough. Sometimes we cannot stop comparing ourselves to the people around us. Whether it's the person in front of you in line at Starbucks, your siblings, your friends, or anyone else, we are constantly comparing ourselves to the people around us.

Most of the time when we are comparing ourselves, we are picking out the positives about someone else and the negatives about ourselves, which makes us feel worse. I can think of multiple times that I've looked at my friend and thought, "She's really pretty. I don't look like she does." This is toxic thinking because we fail to realize that we are different. Everyone is a different person, with their own unique traits and characteristics.

Sometimes, you just feel like you aren't good enough or you feel bad about yourself without comparing yourself to others. The truth is, you ARE good enough. The negative thoughts you are telling yourself are not true.

Often, we are too hard on ourselves and too self-critical. We see the light in others, but we only see the darkness in ourselves. Move past that mindset. Start to see the good in yourself. There are things that are good about you, and things you are good at. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. You have to realize that there are people out there who think you have it all or wish they could be as good as you are at something.

We don't see this because we are so good at picking the negatives out when we look in the mirror. Usually, we pick out negatives that other people can't even see. This is something that is difficult to change, but tries to find at least one positive about yourself every day, whether it's your physical appearance or a talent or skill you have.

At the end of the day, you ARE good enough. You are not the DUFF of your friend group, and you are not the ugly duckling in your family. You are the only one telling yourself these negative things. It's all in your head. Above all, you are NOT alone, and you never will be.

There is always someone who feels the same way you do. Just know that you are your hardest critic. Find something positive about yourself every day, and stop thinking about it all so much.

In the event of an emergency, never hesitate to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.