Like many girls, I struggle with body image. I’ve always been self-conscious of my body, comparing myself to others, wishing I could look like them. I even attempted harmful method, trying to morph my body into what I thought was “perfect” or “goals." It wasn’t until recently that I truly began to accept and love my body for what it is

Growing up, I wasn’t overweight, but I also wasn’t stick thin. I would describe myself as average. I had my insecurities, but I didn’t really think of them too much until high school and college hit. Social media was a big factor for me, scrolling through my Instagram feed and seeing famous models and their perfect bodies. I began to notice my flaws and think about them constantly.

College was a big struggle for me as I saw myself gaining weight (shoutout to the freshman 15). I would go to the gym once or twice a day to try and compensate for the weight I was putting on. I was unhappy as I wished my body could be like it what it was a few months prior. I compared myself to my friend’s bodies and wished I could be like them. It was sad how much that affected me and the choices I made because of it. I would decline offers to go lay out at the pool because I wasn’t confident enough in a bikini anymore or wouldn’t allow myself to go to sleep at night until I had purged what I thought was enough. I constantly analyzed my body and set unrealistic goals to rid myself of those flaws. I let my insecurities overcome me as a person and control my happiness. I wasn’t me anymore. I had become someone I wouldn’t wish on anyone else.

You know in thriller movies at the end where there’s that big “ahh” moment and everything that was built up in suspense finally connects? I think everyone eventually comes to that point when they just realize how simple happiness can be. Recently I looked in the mirror and saw a depressed girl struggling daily to get by. It suddenly hit me that if I was satisfied with myself, that’s all that really mattered. Who cares what anyone else thinks? I think it was that minute that I gained back the confidence that had been torn down for years.

Since I’ve moved past the hardest days of my body image journey, I’ve noticed how much happier I truly am. I’ve gained back some of that confidence I’ve lost during these past few years. I’ve accepted that I may never have a thigh gap or a completely flat stomach, and that’s okay. I’ve realized the things in life that matter the most, and to me, a “perfect” body isn’t one of those.

I’ll be completely honest, I still struggle with body image and I probably always will. Everyone has insecurities, it's inevitable. It's learning to accept those imperfections and is a long process of learning to love your body exactly the way it is. The biggest thing for me is not comparing myself to others. It's easier said than done, but once you stop comparing, you can truly love yourself. Chances are your insecurities are what another girl’s looking at and wishing she could be like you. Own who you are and love your body because that’s one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself.