Love is something words sometimes cannot describe. The connection two people have can be one of the most exciting things in someone's life. The most important relationship though is someone's relationship with themselves. In recent years I have learned that before you let someone into your life [a significant other] you have to love yourself first.
Being able to look at yourself and be happy is a challenge that many young boys and girls face today. The beauty standards have become so distorted in recent years. This makes young people feel like they are not good enough. The beauty standards set by media outlets are almost all unachievable. The number on the scale does not define who you are. The color of your hair or even the length does not define you either. These things should not end up putting a label on you. People are who they are for a reason.
The most valuable thing I have learned is to shut out those conventional beauty standards. Become someone different; be you and if that is not okay with someone then too bad. Your happiness comes before anyone. Every day I tell myself I am good enough for me — I'm happy with me. It is easier said than done — it was probably one of the hardest things I had to learn and accept. Other people might look at me and pick me apart; my hair is too short, my legs are too bruised, I have too many stretch marks, my face has too much acne. These things, though, are meaningless to me. I am secure enough in myself to let those words roll off my back. Those things are superficial. I want something more in life than superficial. I refuse to let those things define me and I believe that is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
I've come to accept that somebody will always have something to say. No one can change that but what can change is the way you react to it. You can turn right around and prove everyone wrong — shows them their words mean nothing by walking around with your head held high and show off your confidence.
What I am trying to say is don't let anyone try and mold you into the person you are. Don't let the words of hateful people persuade you to change your hair, your clothes, or who you are overall. If you want those bell bottoms or crop top from Forever 21 get them [if they make you feel confident nothing else matters]. If you want to shave your head or dye your hair hot pink don't let anyone stop you. Whatever makes you happy and confident, do it! You might even give someone else the courage to do something they always wanted to do. If someone tells you to change say goodbye to them- you do not need people in your life that are trying to change you. You need people that are going to support you while you discover who you are and what you want to be.
