Recently, I’ve been very insecure about my body. Whether it's posted freshman year of college weight, social media feeds filled with perfectly posed girls in bikinis, our society's unrealistic standards of beauty forcing girls and boys to feel as if they have to constantly look a certain way or obtain a certain weight, or common insecurities felt by girls and boys everywhere.

The insecurities I've been feeling have made me realize that I really need to work on one relationship in particular, and that's my relationship with myself. Like any relationship, the two parties can grow too comfortable with each other. Once they get too comfortable, they can take each other for granted- saying mean things and forgetting to have each other's backs. Relationships that are brought to this point typically face two options: 1) ending 2) working through their differences and continuing on. One's relationship with their self is a relationship that cannot afford to be broken. That's why I've decided to write a love letter to me, from me, in hopes of bringing some spark back to the relationship. The aim of this letter is to remind me of my strengths, blessings, and worth.

One of the reasons I frequently write about body positivity is because I, myself, need to be reminded of the messages I’m attempting to spread to others. By sharing these articles, I hope to prevent others from experiencing the self-hate and insecurities that I have experienced. By translating the empowering thoughts that I recite to myself, into words on paper and eventually articles, it serves as a friendly reminder that I need to practice what I preach and love myself as I encourage others to do.

This is a love letter to me, from me, when I’m feeling insecure. In writing this letter I hope that others will read this to themselves and transform their insecurities into feelings of empowerment.

Dear me,

You are strong, you are brave and you are smart. You are strong enough to face each challenge head on, no matter the challenge or time. You are brave enough to showcase and embrace who you are, even if you don’t quite know who you are yet. And you are so smart to recognize that the most important relationship in life is the one with yourself, and that self-love is just as important as loving others.

You have a body capable of doing and producing so many great things, things much greater than merely looking attractive. You have legs that take you to places far and wide. You have arms and hands for moving, lifting and creating. Instead of hating your body, remember and appreciate that you have a body, especially one that works.

You are strong.

You are brave.

You are smart.

You have a body that works.

You are beautiful. You are your own beautiful. Stop trying to meet someone else’s standard of beauty, because the only one that matters is your own.

Love you. Love yourself full heartedly and undoubtedly.

P.S. The only person's opinion that truly matters is your own.