I’m going to start by stating how much I dislike talking about myself. I’ll gladly give the spotlight to anyone else. However, this is something that is my biggest secret I keep hidden. Which is silly to hide, because being self conscious is something that is an issue. No one should ever feel that they aren’t beautiful. I blame the fact so many (including myself) doesn’t love themselves enough to let the worlds just roll away. For words do hurt and so many let them slip off their tongue without actually meaning it. So here I go, stating something that I let take over my life for many many long years… You can choose to stand up with me, or sit back and let this continuously happen and consume your life.

I grew up being not so confident of myself. (Shocker right!) I mean who would be confident being a size 00? Especially in a world of mockery, and constant body shaming. It doesn’t matter if you’re skinny, because then your mocked to gain weight. If you aren’t skinny, your mocked to eat less and maybe exercise more. Every time I looked in the mirror I would find something to be nit picky about. Not to add the pressure of other’s opinions. Time after time of “best friends” and guys pointing out things about me and mocking them. Whether it be the scars on my face, or the fact I’m tall. My ultimate favorite is how long my legs were.

I can’t say that it happened over night, but I slowly stopped caring. I don’t know if it was the realization that no matter what you do, someone out there will disagree. I think it was the fact that I learned I would never be happy unless I loved myself. The fact that I’m in control, and I know that I don’t let others opinions affect me anymore is powerful. I don’t have to constantly worry about what someone is saying. My mind doesn’t drift to worrying about what others are whispering about and if its something about me. For once in my life, I love myself. I look in the mirror and find things to compliment myself, and remind myself that no one out there is exactly like me.

So take that selfie, and post it. Even if you’re overwhelmed about how many likes you get. It doesn’t really matter who likes it, for you should love yourself.