Society today is more judgmental than ever, and this is especially true for girls. There are so many different stereotypes out there on what a girl's body should look like, how she should dress, and what color hair will make her seem more trendy. These words will have many girls questioning if they should start exercising more to loose the extra weight, or if they should take that extra time to straighten their hair because that's what everyone else will like. From seeing supermodels strut down the runway and reading about the latest fad diets, girls all over the world are judging themselves constantly, and being worried that others won't think they're beautiful because they don't look like the "it" girl that they see in a magazine. It's time for a change.
To the girl who rather hide behind sweats than show off their body. To the girl that looks in the mirror and isn't happy with what she sees. To the girl whose had a crush on a guy for the longest time but doesn't think he'll go for her because you're not good enough. It's time to stop hiding, make a change and go for what you want.
If you decide to start a workout routine, do it because you want to improve yourself. Don't work out constantly and starve yourself just because you think that's how you'll get to supermodel size. Add some new pieces to your wardrobe that will show off your own style, not what you feel like you have to wear because that's what all the other girls are wearing. If you have straight hair, wear it as is, or curl it if that's what you're feeling that day. If you have big curly hair, wear it how you want. Don't transform your hair because you feel obligated to meet these standards that pop up everywhere. Start up a conversation with your crush or text him "hi." You'll never know if you two could end up together if you never try.
It's scary to go out into the world and just be yourself. It's hard not to let the world tell you what you should be and what you should look like. In order to just be yourself, you have to love yourself first. Don't be afraid to look in the mirror and say "wow, I look good today" or "all that hard work in the gym is really paying off". By gaining more confidence and self esteem as each day passes, it'll be easier to tell yourself that you love who you've become, and not care so much about what others have to say. Once you love yourself, it will be easier to let others love you for who you are.
No matter if you're in high school, just starting college, or even starting life on your own after college, don't be afraid to exude that sense of confidence. Do things that make you happy, and put the fear of judgement behind you. Strive to be the person whose presence lights up the room. Strive to be the person who is comfortable in their own skin. Once you learn to love yourself, everything will be so much easier.
