We live in a world where so many people are constantly trying to tear us down. Because of this, it is vital that we learn to love ourselves for who we are. You need to find this love for yourself. Anna Kendrick said it best: you can only ever be you for the rest of your life.
Learning to love and accept yourself can be difficult, but man is it freeing. Let me say it now: you are so worthy of love. You are unlike anybody else on this planet and that in itself is beautiful. There are so many different reasons why you should love yourself.
1. You are unbelievably talented and knowledgeable.
Everybody has that one or two things that they understand a know inside-out. It can be different for everybody. You might be a great soccer player, a whiz at algebra or maybe you just really love mowing the lawn. Regardless, you are amazing at something, so have confidence in yourself and take pride in your abilities.
2. You are incredibly unique.
There is not a single person (unless you have an identical twin) that shares your exact DNA sequence. You have different experiences from others and have been shaped by them, whether you sought them out or they were thrust upon you.
3. Other people love you and you are worthy of love.
Somebody in this world loves you and chooses to associate with you. Why? Because they have fun with you and admire you. You mean a lot to him or her. If someone else loves you, there is obviously something lovable about you. Appreciate that within yourself!
4. It is okay to be imperfect. It doesn't mean that you are less worthy of love.
Recently, I was told that having goals is good, but once your goals become something unattainable and start to make you feel inadequate, they are no longer helpful or healthy. Accept that you aren't perfect and love yourself for all of your perfections and imperfections.
5. You are beautiful.
It doesn't matter if you think you're attractive or not, I'm here to tell you that attractiveness is a social construct. And in the end, I think you are beautiful and you should think the same of yourself.
If you don't love yourself at the moment, that is okay. It is a process that can take years. I'm one of those people who is still learning how to love myself. What can you do to improve your self-confidence and demonstrate self-love? Write down one or two things each day that makes you love being who you are. Whether it be something silly, small or big, it is valid--and so are you. When appreciation for yourself feels impossible, fake it until you make it. The longer you pretend to love yourself, the more likely you are to start to believe it.
