(Disclaimer: not sure if this needs one, but trigger warning for eating disorders, just in case. I want to keep y'all safe.)

I decided to write this article because I've noticed an increase in messages surrounding body positivity in recent months, and it's resonated with me as an important topic. We all know the feeling, unfortunately, of envying the way someone else looks, or looking at a physical part of ourselves and wishing we could change it. It's especially difficult for young people, boys, girls, and anyone in between, who are developing and starting to look more and more different from one another. Makeup and athletic-wear advertisements suddenly start to affect them. He's already growing facial hair, she's fighting her now oily skin, they're realizing they might always be "the short one." Some of these we grow out of, some stick with us. But what's important to remember is that everyone goes through these insecurities. And whether you're young or old. you're not alone. And with time, hopefully, you can learn to love your body.

I've got to admit, I'm not entirely there yet. And I know that lots of people aren't. It's hard. But I appreciate that this cultural idea exists and is making itself known. Seeing people embracing themselves and others--that is beautiful. The encouragement surrounding body positivity is so needed, and I truly believe that it does a great deal of good.

Being in an environment that fosters self-love and confidence can be transformative. It's something that we could all use, no matter where our insecurities lie. As I've grown older, personally, I've gotten more confident. I remember hating my hair in middle school, and always fighting its natural wave and fluff with the flat iron in the morning. Now, as a college student, I've straightened my hair maybe 5 times all semester. I still love how it looks straight--I've just grown to love how it looks wavy as well.

Which brings us to another note--it's okay to love the way you look, even if it isn't the way you look naturally. It is okay to love to wear makeup; it is okay to never wear makeup. It is okay to straighten your hair; it is okay to not straighten your hair. It is okay to shave; it is okay to not shave. You don't have to do these things to be beautiful, but that doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to do these things if they make you happy.

If you love your body, I am happy for you. Your confidence is inspiring! If you don't, it's okay. I hope you can get there. If you're somewhere in between, that's okay too. I'm with you.

You don't need to fit a standard. There is more to you than your body. The scale, the mirror, society can't begin to sum up everything about you. You are an important human being, and you are handsome and beautiful.