Have you ever had low self-esteem about yourself? Have you ever felt so down because you didn't look like someone else or have the same things as others? Well, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone if that's so. I feel as if we live in a day and age where if you don't look like this and if you don't have that, you're frowned upon as a person. Not having the acceptance you desire from those around you, especially your peers, can really tamper with your mentality on how you perceive yourself. I've dealt with this myself, but I've come to the realization that we were all made whole and unique, different by an incredible God. What's so great about being like the next person? So what if you don't have as much money as this person, or maybe you're not as small as that person- it doesn't make you any less human. It shouldn't matter about what society may have to say or feel; the only thing that should matters is you and your overall happiness. I believe that happiness comes from having the ability to love yourself and to see your worth. Once you've established self-love and self-worth within yourself, there's not much anyone can say or do to break your spirit. After all, who doesn't love a confident person!

I'm able to relate to this topic so much because I've struggled from low self-esteem in the past. It's not something I've openly admitted to a lot of people, but I feel it's important that I share my own experiences wit this in hopes that maybe it'll help someone else who's struggling them self with esteem issues. I'm just now getting to a place where I'm able to accept all of my flaws, all of my quirks and love myself regardless, but it hasn't always been that way. I used to be very insecure, and I mean VERY! I've always been a shy person and that would only add to my insecurities. In high school, I honestly felt like I had to have the same things as everyone else; same clothes, same shoes- I even felt as if I had to partake in the same things as my fellow peers. I felt like I had to do these things to fit in and seem "cool." I would care so much about what people thought of me, I didn't know what to think of myself. I'd be hesitant to speak on things that hold value to me because I felt like people would laugh or think it was stupid if a certain guy didn't like me for whatever reason, I would automatically think it had to do with how I looked, thus a lot of the time I didn't feel very appealing. Mentally, I wasn't in a good place for most of high school. Along with how less I thought of myself and several other personal issues, it all really took a toll on me. One day, I just came to terms with everything and asked myself...why do I care? Why do I care so much what people think of me? Why am I afraid to speak my mind on the things I care about? Why am I questioning my own beauty because this guy doesn't like me? Just why? I couldn't help but ask myself why.

Today, I'm able to say with utter satisfaction that I truly do love myself and I know just what my worth is. I want to be able to encourage anyone, anywhere and let them know that you are somebody. You are destined for great things. You are imperfectly perfect in your own way. It's okay to stand out and it;s better to lead not follow. I have to remind myself this daily, and that pushes me to be the best that I possibly can be. You may go through difficult times but you're strong enough to overcome them and stand up stronger and taller than before. I'm a walking testimony that it can happen because it happened for me, and it can happen for you as well. Love yourself and know your worth.