There’s absolutely nothing wrong with loving yourself. It’s okay to think you’re cute, funny, and smart, and I hope the list goes on and on. But, so many people don’t love themselves, and how can we love each other if we can’t even love ourselves?
I want you to love yourself. I want you to be unapologetically loud and happy and fulfilled. You and your happiness matter and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, that package of Oreos in the kitchen is the only thing that sounds remotely appetizing for dinner; eat them. Who cares if you only know 10 of the words in the song you really like? Roll your windows down, turn it up, and jam out. Some people will just stare at you while you’re car dancing, but it will make other people laugh and smile, and the world needs that happiness. Instead of hating your body because of the way a certain article of clothing makes you feel or look, just get rid of that piece of clothing. There’s no reason to keep things around if they make you dislike yourself. If there’s an outfit that makes you feel good and gives you confidence, wear it all the time. I’m not kidding.
Go buy that shirt in every color available and wear it every day of the week; if it makes you feel good about yourself, just do it. If rocking purple hair makes you feel fierce and unique, take the leap, buy the dye, and be happy. If the people around you don’t uplift you and make you feel valued, find new friends. You don’t need to surround yourself with people who treat you less than you deserve because they’re the only friends you have. Other people who realize how spectacular you are will come along, and when they do, you’ll feel right at home being yourself. It’s okay to go out every weekend, it doesn’t make you less or more of a person than the people who choose to stay in on weekends. If going out and being social is your thing, cool. Embrace it; just be safe! If staying in and laying low is your type of weekend, good for you, enjoy it! Life is too short to be constantly second guessing yourself and being unhappy.
Alternatively, don’t unscrew someone else’s lightbulb just so you can shine more. Stop tearing people down and just let them live their lives. It doesn’t matter if you think a guy’s haircut or color doesn’t look good on him. It doesn’t matter if you think a girl is a little too "big" for a crop top. Just let them live their lives because they wouldn’t have chosen that outfit, hairstyle, car, tattoo, etc. if they didn’t like the way it made them feel. Next time you’re out and you see that person that’s always by themselves, invite them to sit with you and your friends. I promise if being alone is their choice they’ll let you know, but what if they’ve been waiting for an invite all this time?
Live and let live. The world has enough negativity without people tearing others down based on something as trivial as physical appearance or personalities. Be happy, love yourself, and help others to do the same.
