It has become difficult in today's world to remember who we are as people, not as figures or appearances. Many of us see nothing but our flaws in the mirror, complaining about places on our body that we wish were smaller or toned; cursing our hair for not doing the things we want it to; cringing at a new pimple. In the end, these are not the things people see: they are not the qualities about us that, as much as we criticize of ourselves, are visible. It is our character that continues to count. There are one million things we could be that don't include a trait attributed to looks. Below, you'll find a few of those many.
1. Positive
Project those happy thoughts. Smile. Breathe.
2. Inviting
Say hello. Make new friends. Put others at ease.
3. Daring
Take great leaps of faith. Do things you don't believe are possible. The world knows no bounds.
4. Adventurous
Travel. Let the cultures of the world soak up every last inch of you.
5. Grateful
Never forget those gifts in your life and everything that has happened up to this point. You are alive. You are beautiful. You are here because of other people and other experiences. Remember them.
6. Curious
Engage with the people, the books, the places, the things around and beyond. Never stop asking questions. Don't take anything as final, concrete.
7. Confident
I mean, we're here for a reason, right? Those things that you love, those things you are good at, those things that would give life less meaning? Keep them close and run with them. If you're good, you're good. Don't let dreams be brushed aside by yourself or others.
8. Humble
But don't let yourself become too wrapped up by those perceptions. There will always be obstacles, and if you are knocked down it means you have to pick yourself up without falter. Embrace your talents but don't let them oversweep you.
9. Kind
Love is the root of all things: let it guide you. Spread kindness.
10. Open-minded
Don't close yourself off to others, opportunities or beaten paths. They may lead to lifelong friends, careers you never thought you would love or experiences you couldn't now imagine your life without.
11. Hard working
Don't settle for anything less than your best work. Only put out into the world what you are insanely proud of. You will climb the ladder of success happily and quickly with a strong work ethic.
12. Passionate
This goes hand-in-hand with hard working: love what you do and do what you love. Nothing can stop you when your heart is in it.
13. Forgiving
Let go of the past's pain. Don't let it tether you to one place or time. Grudges only waste energy that could be spent towards other beautiful aspects of your life.
14. Happy
Above all, love the life you have carved out for yourself and know that nothing is permanent. Things can always and will always get better. Trust in yourself: live. Be happy.
