Lately, my biggest focus and hardest efforts have been toward loving myself. As someone who's struggled nearly her whole life with confidence issues, much like so many young girls and women today, having self-confidence is a hard journey.

Self-confidence is so often focused on appearance — your body, the way you look. But, no matter how hard you try, self-confidence has to start at the core — by loving you for being you. Here are five reasons you should love yourself.

1. You are "you-nique."

You are the only you. Absolutely no one is you, and that's your power. No one has your laugh or your smile. There isn't anyone with your freckles or beauty marks. No one loves the way you do. There is not a soul who has walked your path, or shares your journey. You're one-of-a-kind.

2. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14 beautifully states that "I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'" You were created to be you — not because society said so, because God made you so.

3. You are loved.

Look around at how many surround you who love you so much. You are somebody's definition of perfect, even if you don't know it. You are loved for you — not for who you want to be, but for who you are right now.

4. You are flawed.

You, and everyone else in this world, are full of flaws. The only thing you're perfect at is being you. Your flaws are beautiful; your flaws are real. Imperfections tell a story and make you the gorgeous human that you are.

5. You have perspective.

Your perspective offers value. Your perspective is unique. Marvel in the way that you see the world, and share the beauty of your perspective with others like it's magic.

Wake up every day and remind yourself of what makes you so beautiful. Self-love is vital for happiness. If you don't love yourself, it's hard to feel good about anything else. I know it isn't easy, but for every reason you think you shouldn't be loved, think of the thousand reasons that you should be.

"Imagine if we obsessed over the things that we loved about ourselves."