Three hours before she actually has to leave the house, she wakes up. She looks in the mirror and grimaces at what she sees. An unpolished face with messy hair and rosy cheeks; a face she can't even try to see as beautiful. As she steps into the shower, she catches a glimpse of her body in the mirror, continuing the daily loathing of her image. But not only her image, also her grades, personality, laugh, smile, voice, everything.

I remember being that girl — I still am that girl — that felt these things every day. I remember the eye rolls when I was upset over the 99% on an essay because it was so close to a 100%, but just not there. I remember the discouraging feeling of trying to look just like the celebrities but knowing it will never happen. I remember wishing I had her clothes, her smile, her personality, her voice, her hair her intelligence, her makeup abilities, her choice of colleges, her everything.

When you hear someone say they're a perfectionist, they usually say it almost proudly, or with a sense of humor. Maybe you were annoyed with their need for everything to be a certain way. And while many of you may not see an issue in rewriting something a thousand times, redoing your eyeliner until its immaculate, having untainted attendance, or having flawless grades; there are real consequences. These unrealistic expectations- especially in society today-- are extremely common, but also are extremely unhealthy.

For many people, their perfectionism develops into a fear of failure. They set excessive expectations for everything they do, and push themselves as far above average as possible. When they miss that goal, they get disappointed in themselves, and sometimes even angry with themselves. They feel that they aren't good enough, and this is so damaging on their mental health.

Perfectionists have these same anxieties every day, they don't really fade away. And as society pressure increases, the list of anxieties gets longer. The damage of feeling inadequate is significant, and no one should have to feel that they are not good enough. Because the truth is, you're here. You're good enough. You will never be perfect, but you don't have to be perfect to be good enough.