In seventh grade, one day my best friend told me that she wished she never woke up. That really hit me hard because she was such a good person. Little did I know that a few years later I would be in the same position as her, dreading waking up in the morning. It's hard looking at yourself and thinking that you're not worth it. But once I got it through my head that I wasn't going to go anywhere by being negative, I started trying to give myself more positive vibes.

I found that practicing mindfulness is a great way to stay positive. Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. This is a form of set meditation that doesn't take a physical effort but a mental effort. If you focus on the future you won't think about the bad that has happened in your past. Another thing I found helpful was deep breathing meditation because it helps you feel steady while also cleansing the bad aura from your body.

A positive reaction from yourself is always a good feeling as well. For me, it's very helpful to read notes I've written to myself pertaining to positive thoughts. If I'm in a good mood, I'll write little nods to myself saying things like, "Drink water because you're worth it" or "That smile looks good on you" or "If you need someone call someone." It may seem silly but when you feel like a burden to everyone around you, it's hard to find the motivation to get out of bed, feed yourself, or even take a smile to get through the day. But seeing messages from myself has helped me remember that even though I'm having a bad day now, I was able to have a good day and if I'm able to have a good day, then I can get through this bad day.

Lastly, if you're having trouble with yourself personally a good way to feel better is to write it out. I know it's an old tradition to write down how you feel but it's actually very helpful. Writing about what's going on in your life or how you're feeling on paper gives you a sense of relief. It's out on paper and it's out of your head! At least that's how I think of it. And if you want to take it one step farther, rip that paper up so your troubles are no longer a thought in your head.

Be good to yourself! You're you because no one else is. Don't hate yourself because you're not like someone else because they're just trying to be who they are. So remember to treat yourself right, take care of yourself, and be positive! It will be the best for you in the long run.