One day while scrolling through one of my (many) social media accounts, I came across this picture.

The woman above looks to be around my age. She has the "perfect" messy hair, she has a fresh face, and those eyebrows are on fleek. While I stopped to admire her, I started thinking things like, "I wish I looked like her," and, "I wish my skin looked that perfect." But then I stopped myself.

Why? Why do I want to look like her? What is so wrong with me that I have to dream about being someone else? I don't. Everything about me makes me unique, my flaws and my imperfections. They all help me stand out in my own way. And it's OK to be different.

Unfortunately, today's society has been sending the wrong message to our youth, especially when it comes to what or who is considered to be "beautiful." Commercials and social media are some of the biggest influences on what is considered "perfect."

One in four 7-year-old girls have tried to lose weight, four out of five children are afraid of being fat, and only 5 percent of American women naturally have the "ideal" body in terms of society's unattainable standards. Everyone, both girls and boys, struggle with how they feel or how they look to others.

It's very easy to look in the mirror and feel flawless one day and flawed the next. It's embedded into our brains that we need to look like a Photoshopped advertisement to be beautiful or sexy in the eyes of society. With the convenience of social media and an open, free internet world, it's easier than ever to come across ads, photos, or videos that promote the "perfect" look.

For women, it's a tiny waist, long hair, long legs, thick eyebrows, and lots of junk in the trunk.

For men, it's the "V" shaped torso, six pack of abs, bulky arms, and a chiseled jawline.

Now, any person with a brain knows that isn't achievable for just anyone without some (or tons) of plastic enhancements. AKA turning yourself into a Barbie Doll.

For as long as I can remember, I've struggled with this kind of thinking. My doctor still tells me that I'm overweight for my height. I used to take that very seriously. I tried losing weight so that I wouldn't be considered overweight. Then it hit me: Why should I, an in-shape athlete, be ashamed of my figure? I am 5'3", and 120lbs. I have muscle (well, some), and I have the physical ability to do things with my body that not everyone can. I felt almost ashamed for being athletic as a woman. Why was I considered overweight if I did everything to keep myself healthy?

Over the past few years my mind has cleared and I have become an advocate for the idea that everyone is beautiful in their own way. There is no such thing as a beauty standard. It's a silly thought, actually. You don't have to change how you look to satisfy someone else. Present yourself in a way that makes you happy. Do what you love, because you are beautiful.

Just be you, not society's version of you. XOXO