As a teenager, life is complicated. Between figuring out who you are, trying to decide what you want, and not to mention the distraction of boys, life is definitely a challenge. I know I’m not alone when I say this, but sometimes I let society get the best of me. I am easily influenced by the media, and allow it to pressure me into having negative self-worth.

If there is anything that I have learned in my life, it would be how important it is to love yourself. Nothing in life is guaranteed, and the relationship you have with yourself is by far one of the most important in your lifetime. It’s so easy to lose sight of what’s important, and to be easily influenced by so many negative things. The relationship you have with yourself dictates your relationship with others, and it’s taken me a while to realize that.

During grade school, and even the first few years of high school, I severely struggled with having a poor body image. I was surrounded by girls who were prettier, skinnier, funnier, just all around better than me, and it affected me on an emotional level as well as a mental level. I slowly withdrew from the people around me, just keeping to myself. I wanted to be better, I wanted to be all of the other girls I envied so much. I lost a bunch of weight, changed some aspects of who I am, and still, I didn’t get what I wanted. I soon realized that I didn’t have to change who I was to be loved. So many people around me were supportive in who I already was, and that I was enough. If they loved me, I should love myself. Although that sounds easy enough, I can guarantee you that it most certainly isn’t.

There are so many reasons to love the body that was given to you, although it might be hard to see.

1. Forgive Yourself
2. Surround Yourself with People That Love You
3. Expand Your Interests

Life is full of mistakes. As Hannah Montana would say, nobody’s perfect. Every one messes up. You’re going to do dumb stuff; you have to learn to move on. Don’t let it dwindle in the back of your mind and eat you alive. In order to move forward with yourself, you have to forgive everything you’ve done in your past.

It is near impossible to love yourself while you are surrounded by negative people. Loving yourself is a battle, and battles are much easier won when you have people encouraging your fight. By being around others that love you, you are more likely to see all of your wonderful qualities and aspirations.

The best way to feel happy, is by exceling at something. Not saying this is the only way, but seeing yourself succeed at something, is certainly reassuring. You deserve to conquer your goals, and to live up to your dreams. You deserve to be happy, and to have the best that life can offer.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that everyone deserves to be happy. The most important relationship is the one with yourself, and that if you can accomplish that, nothing can stop you. Sure, there are going to be days where you’re just off, but by staying positive and staying true to who you are, nothing can get you down. The journey of self-love is definitely a long one. It doesn’t happen over-night, and there are so many things that can set you back. One comment, one rude remark, one overheard whisper, can set back months of hard work and positivity. I encourage everyone to just take a look in the mirror, and to be happy with what they see. You are not defined by the number on the scale, or by the size on the back of your jeans; you are defined by your character, the way you treat others, and most importantly, the way you treat yourself.