We all have loved ones that we consider to be the most important people in our lives, whether it be a parent, sibling, friend or significant other. However, at the end of the day, who really is the most important person in your life?

Those who love us never fail to encourage us, appreciate us, lift us up when we are down, and show us just how truly important and loved we are. They don't underestimate the passion inside of us, and they never doubt the potential we possess. Our friends take us out when we're sad, they make us laugh and they always know what to say to make us feel better. Our boyfriends or girlfriends or husbands or wives kiss us on the forehead and hold us when we had a bad day at school or work. Maybe they even surprise us with flowers just to see that smile on our face that they adore so much. The love of a family is unconditional. They have always cared for us. They will no matter how much trouble we have given them, or how many times we have raised our voice at them and even when horrible, hurtful words have slipped off our tongue, only to be regretted later.

I have lived my whole life depending on other people for happiness. I've held on to toxic people just because they occasionally made me feel great about myself, but one day I realized that I don't need another person, or multiple people, to make me feel great about myself. I learned to love myself without seeking reassurance from others. I hope that when you read this, you can start your journey to self-love because you deserve it.

Everyone is worthy of happiness. No one should ever have to rely on someone else to put a smile on their face. That smile should already be there. When you wake up in the morning, you should look at yourself in the mirror and smile because you woke up today, and today is going to be amazing. It's all about your state of mind. I'm not saying things don't get tough. Everyone has their demons; everyone has their struggles. Maybe you're going through a break up, lost your job, or struggling with a mental illness that you just can't find the right treatment for. Maybe you think you don't look good enough when you look at your stomach and thighs in the mirror, or the acne on your face in the mirror. Nevertheless, when it comes down to it, the most important thing is your state of mind and mentality. If you can manage to learn how to turn a negative situation into a positive one, that is when you'll start to see yourself as the most important person in your life.

If you are still not quite convinced, think about your daily routine. Who gets you up in the morning? Who brushes your teeth and washes your face to wake you up? Who makes you a warm cup of coffee to get you ready to accomplish as much as you can that day? Who makes you breakfast so that you can make it to lunch without getting hungry? Who gets you ready, combs your hair, dresses you, and drives you to work or school? Who works super hard for endless hours several days a week in order to be financially stable enough to live a happy, healthy life? Is it your friends that do all of that for you? Your boyfriend? Girlfriend? Sibling? Parent?

You are the one that does all of those things for yourself every single day, and you should be proud of it. This is why the most important person in your life is you. Your happiness, your success, your life and your future is all in your hands. You can do whatever you want to do with your life. So take time to have fun. Take time to laugh. Be honest with yourself and others. Do what you love to do. Go on adventures through forests and pick flowers. Travel to a place you've never been before. Go to the movie theater and enjoy a movie alone for once. Make time for yourself. Find friends that are good for you, and drop those that are toxic. Determine your purpose and life and work towards it until you get there. Eat healthy, get adequate sleep, go running, find a hobby, invest in yourself. Every night, close your eyes, breathe, and feel your lungs expand and collapse to remind yourself that you're alive and capable of absolutely anything.

Help others as much as possible, spread love everywhere you go, and be a good example and role model to everyone you know. Be faithful to your significant other, be there for your friends, help strangers on the street when they are struggling, and love your family unconditionally. They are extremely important and you should never hurt them or let them go. In addition, it's completely okay to put yourself first when you need to. It's okay to be "selfish" sometimes. It's okay to skip a get-together with friends because you feel like relaxing and watching movies and eating Cheetos and Ice Cream all night instead. It's okay to not go to that huge party because you just don't feel up to it. You need time for yourself. You do not have to be with your friends or boyfriend or girlfriend all the time. Enjoy your time alone. Just remember: you are number one in your life, because without you, your life does not exist.