For a long time I hated myself. Looking back now, I had no real reason to hate myself. I did well in school and had friends around me. I had a loving and supportive family. But despite this pleasant environment, I couldn't stand looking in the mirror. I saw myself as imperfect. I hated when people complimented me, because I couldn't see how their words could be true. Compared to me, everyone was a supermodel, a celebrity or a saint, why would anyone ever care for me?

Surprisingly, self-hate and self-neglect isn't an uncommon thing. In a world where we have to live up to unrealistic expectations, where others needs should be before yours, and where we are led to belief that our bodies aren't perfect, it seems expected to have some self-doubt. Often these doubts and expectations gnaw on our self-confidence and self-love. We forget to see the wonderful things about ourselves and we become a victim to the world around us. We put ourselves on a path of destruction in order to fit the mold of what the world tells us to be. I would have continued to lead a path of self-destruction, if it wasn't until I met a friend, someone who I could relate to and that helped relieved my insecurities.

When I met them, their words ignited a spark in me and I desired change. I wanted to love myself and be able to see myself how the world saw me. This change was the hardest thing I've ever done. During this time, there would be days that I could stare into the eyes of my reflection and smile, then there were days I wanted to shatter the mirror and tear myself down again. As I fell in love with myself, people's compliments felt genuine, I was happy just being me, and more than anything I could care for others more deeply. I grew to be a perfect version of me.

Even though I am done with this struggle, there are others who are now going through the same self-loathing. I can't make the pain of self-loathing go away with small words or a smile, but I can offer some advice. To anyone who is going through a time of self-loathing, take things one breath at a time. Start by complimenting yourself each day, then one day, move to the mirror, smile, and tell yourself "I love you".

Whenever you feel like destroying yourself, breathe, think of other things, find something you love to do and do it. Most importantly try to reach out to those around you. Your friends and family are there to help you, find someone to talk to and don't be afraid to open yourself up. You are a beautiful soul, you have the ability to change the world, and when you learn to love yourself, you will see your whole world open up.