Imagine this: waking up and looking in the mirror. Obsessing over all of the beautiful qualities that make up your body. Obsessing over the life you are living.
Too often, we focus on the negative of ourselves. Insecurities and fears that drive people to hate one another.
Hyper-focusing on the way you perceive others. Why are their legs so skinny? Why do they always look so happy? Why does she never speak in class? Why did he just say that out loud? Why does he flirt so much? Why is he obsessed with me?
Comparing yourself to every person around you. Why does she think that she is better than me? Why is she better than me? Why can’t I just be pretty and happy like she is? Why doesn’t he like me? What is wrong with me?
Why am I not as beautiful, smart and happy as they are?
Each person has their own past story that shaped them to be who they are today. Don’t look at someone else’s life and compare it to yours. Let others inspire, but not control you. Love what about yourself and your body makes you, you.
We all have flaws. Whether you see them or not, everyone has something they are insecure about. What you hate about yourself, others love. Our differences are what make us special. What makes us human.
Skinny does not define beauty. Beauty is defined by the strength to love yourself and those around you. To know who you are and be proud of it. To look in the mirror and say, “Wow. I am going to make someone’s day today. I’m going to make my day.”
So eat your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream before bedtime. Ditch the gym and have a movie night and popcorn with your friends. Throw out the scale. Stop counting calories. Stop scrolling and scrolling through Instagram for hours comparing yourself to the photoshopped models you see on your screen.
One year ago, I never imagined myself writing this. I overcame my eating disorder by falling in love with healthy food and exercise. But I still struggle. No one is perfect. I still look in the mirror and see a dysmorphic version of myself and compare myself to other people as I hear them speak in lecture or walk down campus.
But I love myself. I know that with my flaws come beauty. I wake up and tell myself that it is going to be a good day. That I am happy with my body and who I am.
Listen to your heartbeat. Take in a deep breath of air and listen to the calmness of your exhale. Congratulations. You get to experience another beautiful day that is life.
