Body image: a phrase that strikes fear into the heart's of girls and women all over the world. But why? If you think about it, that phrase shouldn't have such a heavy, negative and spiteful connotation behind it. I wish I could say I stood by that philosophy, that I didn't get sucked into the public sphere of body shaming, that I didn't constantly compare myself to other women and the way they moved or held themselves or looked, or that I didn't look at myself in the mirror and pin point the things I want to change or alter. But I did. Then, I fell in love with myself. And then I realized just how silly I had been.

Think about it. How is being in a vessel, that functions and moves and marvels, with a system that controls it all, a heart that pumps blood and emotion, a brain that obtains and sustains everything, and eyes that see the beauty, pain, shame, love, laughter, growth of the world, not utterly incredible? How it that not unspeakably beautiful? No matter the shape, size or color of the exterior, it is still ultimately magnificent. You are breathing, you are alive, your soul is writhing within you to get out and experience this complex place we call home. That is something fantastic.

I'm not saying don't better yourself or body. Always strive to be happy and healthy, but make sure it's something you are wanting to do, not something influenced by comparing and degrading your own inner being. It's ok to admire someone else and say, "wow, they look great!" But please, don't wish for what they have, or lust after something that will only hurt you to mull and obsess over. Celebrate who you are, who you have become, and who you growing into.

Treat yourself to that third or fourth slice of pizza or buy yourself that dress you saw in the window of your favorite store. Fall in love with every curve, crevice, flat surface of yourself. How are you to love other's when you can't make room for love of yourself? Fall in love with your soul, with every flaw you possess and how that tiny kink makes you different from everyone else and makes you so unashamedly unique. Hold yourself tight and close, reveling in the amazing ways of you. Don't let the words of others damage your temple, for you are the goddess of your own realm.

Society isn't going to change. There will always be hateful people with hateful thoughts and hateful expectations. But you can change and that's all that matters. Fall in love with yourself because you are worth so much more than a petty article on "10 ways to get Kylie Jenner lips." You are sunshine; shine into a shadowed world and let them all see how truly marvelous you are.