It’s really hard sometimes in this society. It’s hard to achieve, it’s hard to fulfil dreams, it’s hard to always smile, and it’s really hard to love yourself. In a society, full of photo shopped bodies, the latest trends you have to keep up with, degrading songs on the top hits list, and constantly changing and unreachable standards, it is so hard to go a full day totally appreciating how amazing each individual is. Men, women, girls and boys, nobody is exempt from this struggle. But nobody should have to feel they are not worthy or that they don’t meet some standard. The only standard to meet is the one you hold for yourself. I can tell you that I find reasons every day to remind myself how amazing I am. Hopefully you will find yours too.

When I wake up every day I look at myself in the mirror. I look at my messy hair, my dry skin, my baggy eyes, and I just say, “hey not bad”. I play some music and yes dance naked in my mirror cause why not appreciate every curve, every wrinkle, every piece of skin cell my body has been blessed with. I shower and find a nice outfit and again look at myself in the mirror and tell myself my affirmations, “I am beautiful, I am powerful, I am a one of a kind”. I blast music as I walk to class because I love how songs give me power and make me dance every day. I love myself because I believe everyday there is a reason to smile. I am the one who not only seeks my own happiness but tries to find it for others. No one should ever be left without a smile every single day.

I love myself because I am the daughter of two strong parents. Two parents who always put me first, showed me love every day, and encouraged me to always follow my dreams and passions. I have the drive and determination to make them proud and show them their daughter is one of the most powerful women in the world. I am the descendent of immigrants who worked tirelessly everyday of their lives to provide for our family. They have taught me the true value of hard work and determination. They taught me the true value of a person. No man or boy could ever tear me down because my parents taught me I am worth so much more than whatever number or attributes a single individual tries to place on me. The value of who I am truly depends on me and how I view myself. So just as a reminder, I LOVE MYSELF!

I love myself because I dance in the rain and bask in the sunshine. I am the person who whenever I see a deer in a field, fish in the river, feel the wind whip through my hair, or feel water wash over me, I am wrapped in absolute joy. I appreciate nature for all it has to offer and all the love it brings into my life. After all, nature is beautiful without any alteration. No Photoshop, no makeup, no ridiculous standard. Nature just is. As we all should be, just as we are. And just as nature does, never change yourself except for your own benefit. Change to thrive not simply to impress. I love myself because I am me. I love myself because I will never have a reason not to. Why would I ever diminish myself after all the reasons that prove I am worth so much to this world? We are each worth so much to so many. There will never be a reason to not love yourself.