I'm a deeply empathetic person. I care so much about others and strive to make everyone else feel happy and loved. Though this is a great quality to have, I never realized how much it held me back from creating love for myself and for making strides in my own life. It's easy to look back and regret not paying more attention to myself but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't change the past.

Recently, I stopped being friends with a person that I had previously put all of my love and energy through our many years of friendship. And as strange as it is, I don't regret all the time and effort I put into them. I learned a lot from that relationship and I will always love them, but ending it was my first step in putting myself first. I was only hurting myself by letting it go on. I know I was using that it as a way to avoid taking a closer look at myself.

I was essentially using that person as a crutch. After that friendship was over, I felt like I had nothing because my life revolved around them. I never took the time to consider who I wanted to be. Independence and self-love are never easy to come to terms with, and sometimes it takes losing someone to really face it.

And it has been so hard to face myself. To acknowledge how unkind and critical I am of my body and mind. To fully realize that I am the only one standing in the way of my own happiness.

It's hard to grow and prosper when you are the one holding yourself down. I'm always so hard on myself, so much that I don't even realize I'm doing it. And for what? I'm done with agonizing over everything little thing I do or say. I want to be kinder to myself and to not strive as much for perfection. I want to let myself be happy.

I know I will never be completely happy in friendships or relationships if I'm not happy with myself and that is something that is been very hard for me to come to terms with. But I've started to realize that I am important, and I deserve the love that I have been giving to others.

So drawing from my experiences, don't be afraid to think about yourself and to realize what you may need to feel okay. Know that change is necessary and important. Take steps to put yourself first.

Ultimately, this is a process that you have to go through by yourself. But that doesn't mean you can't look to others for some support along the way. Just don't rely on them, allow them to be there in the background but you have to do the hard stuff yourself.

I'm definitely still learning to love myself, but even from simply starting to try, I've been able let so much love into my life. Love for myself and love from friends who truly care about me. I can honestly say I have gained so much more than I lost.

It's never too late to reflect and to give yourself the love and attention that you deserve.