Love yourself. This is a simple sentence but a difficult task. A feat even the strongest people will sometimes have trouble with.

Self-love has become a hot topic lately. We have become more aware of the pressure that society has put on us as individuals. Social media especially is one of the greater contributing factors to unrealistic expectations, pressure and standards for women and men. Sadly, it is now starting at younger and younger ages due to overexposure to all these comments, opinions and glorified views.

I took on the feat of self-acceptance early on. A lot of us have had those few awkward years, those years we don't really want to talk about, and then those tough years as a teenager. Figuring out who you are and what you want to be and who you want to be is not by any means easy.

We all come in different shapes, sizes and colors. We all have features that vary each person to the next. No human is the exact same, nobody will ever compare to the beauty and uniqueness you possess!

It is possible though. Choosing this battle early on has impacted my life greatly and I am only 17. I am happier, healthier and have pride in who I am, and who I will further become.

Starting at a young age, around 12 or 13, I realized that no one person is alike. I started finding out my hobbies, likes and dislikes. I enjoyed this fact, knowing that I can choose what I want to do with my free time, and I can love and enjoy it with my whole being. Choices like these ultimately made me happy.

I found little things about myself that I admired. I loved the dark, deep color of my hair and how my last name is not easy to pronounce. (I still admire people's efforts to try and get it just right.) I admired how easy it was for me to make a new friend, how when I started talking I couldn't stop. I admired my legs, strong from the years of soccer and training that I had begun at a young age. I loved my smile and even my height. I was (and still am) small, but I did not mind. I admired how I was a fast reader, or how when I wore my glasses I seemed to think I looked smarter.

These small things about myself that I was proud of helped in the long run, especially the times when I wasn't everybody's fan. The comments about my severe acne did not feel good, or comments about the extra pounds I had on weren't the best, but I could brush it off knowing that when I look in the mirror and give myself a smile I would know that life will continue on and I will be okay. I know that even though some people may not enjoy me as a whole, but I always will.

As I grew older, I focused on what I needed to do to better myself. I made a promise to myself that I would love my body, mind, and myself fully, and I would do whatever it took to keep myself happy because I deserved it.

I would work out to keep myself strong and healthy, I would eat what I wanted to treat myself.

I would read to imagine and dream about things that were far beyond reality.

I would laugh out loud not caring who turned their heads.

I would dance in public, smile as much as I could, and love and respect my body it because it was my home.

Now at 17, I am more than happy for choosing to take on this battle. Now after two knee surgeries, I can still look at my legs and be proud of the wear and tear knowing that making them strong can come with risks. I know that now with my acne scars that are left from years past I am proud of the skin I am in, and I continue to take care of it everyday knowing it will never give up on me. I now know that each conversation I start has opportunities to be something greater and I know not to be afraid to take that risk.

We live, we learn, and we love. Love yourself, and appreciate yourself. Life will turn you upside down or it will make you feel on top of the world. Be your own best friend so you can be proud of yourself and all that you do even in these times.

Be proud of your little accomplishments, pat yourself on the back for being strong.

Your body is your home, take care of it, and ultimately love yourself. Some people need a little more love than others and that is okay. Do this for YOU, you do not owe it to anybody.

Again, it's always easier said than done, so if you are having a tough time reach out to others. You are NOT alone in this world, and asking for help one of the strongest choices you can make. You are capable and you are loved, never forget that.

"You have to love yourself because no amount of love from others is sufficient to fill the yearning that your soul requires from you."

-Dodinsky