In a world that tries to sell perfection, it can be hard to love yourself. There are creams to give you flawless skin, “magic” diet pills to help you lose ten pounds, and magazines everywhere telling you about the latest fashion trend that you just need to try. It feels like we are constantly being bombarded from every direction with the idea that there is always something about your appearance that you can improve on.

What you aren’t being told enough is that you don’t have to change a thing. You are perfect the way you are. The impression that there is an ideal image is all a marketing scheme. Yeah, that’s right. People make money off of the public's lack of self-esteem like it some sort of game and we are all playing along. There’s also a sort of shame that comes to women and men who are comfortable with the way they look. They are viewed as arrogant and self-centered. The person who posts a lot of selfies on any given social media site is loathed by many and is considered a narcissist who needs to be knocked down a peg.

Why? When did it become a crime to self-love? Does it stem from the same people trying to get you to buy the products that make you fit into their mold? Does it really matter if you don’t look like the photoshopped Barbie on the cover of Sports Illustrated? Let’s face it, Barbie doesn’t even look like herself.

In the end, it doesn’t matter what others think of you, it only matters what you think of yourself. Allow yourself to see the way you look in a positive light. Take small steps. Like the way that top looks on you? Buy it. Wear it with a smile. Think your makeup looks nice today? Take a selfie. Share it with your friends; the ones who care are happy to see it. Love handles have the word love in them for a reason. No matter what, you will look bangin’ in that bathing suit.

It takes some people a long time to become comfortable with the way that they look. It can be a tough journey. If you are someone who is on the journey to self-acceptance, then stay strong. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I am so proud of you. If you are someone who has already accepted themselves, keep rocking; you’re an inspiration. Don’t let anyone dull that sparkle; use it to help bring others up with you. Let’s cancel out the negatives until we live in a world full of positives.

If you’ve made it to the end of this article, I want you to now go look at yourself in the mirror. Take a good long look. See those lines on the side of your mouth? They are filled with memories of laughter. That mole on your forehead is a kiss from the gods. That scar on your nose makes you special. Every little imperfection is what makes you perfect. It makes you who you are. Be proud of who you are and the way that you look. You deserve it.