Some love that phrase, "You can't love anyone until you love yourself." While I'm not in the business of looking for love currently, I have been devoting my attention inward. I have been learning to love myself over the past few years. Recently, I have reoriented that mindset from liking what I look like to enjoying my independence, being proud of my interests and embracing my weird personality. I used to be shy and afraid to be the woman I am; at age 21, I'm now proud of who I am and embracing it wholeheartedly.

After reading a few feminist books, I have been thinking critically about how I see and think about myself. I used to dress myself wondering what men would think of me. "Is this flattering, but still classy? Do I look good in this? I look tired today and people won't think I'm attractive," used to be thoughts woven into my morning routine. How I dressed was framed around men. Yet with reading feminist works lately, I have decided I need to dress for one person only: myself. I used to spend far too much time wondering if I was attractive; now, I don't care. I like who I am and take great care into being a good person; the rest doesn't matter. I dress for myself now. Outfits are coordinated because I like how I pieced them together, not because I think a boy might notice me. I wear leggings not because they're flattering, but because they're comfortable. I wear an ugly sweatshirt with brightly colored bikes because it's comfortable, not because I want to impress a man. I am attempting to impress only one person: myself. How I present myself is not to impress anyone.

And lately, I've been falling in love with myself. I think self-love is different from narcissism; I'm not concerned solely with myself; I just appreciate myself. I don't think I'm better than anyone; I encourage everyone to love who they are. The more I appreciate who I am, the more comfortable I become. I used to be quiet because I was afraid to be who I was. I was stumped when people would ask what my favorite music and movies were because I was afraid I'd be criticized, so I always said, "I don't know." In my early 20's, I have reoriented my perspective into appreciating who I am as a person. Although I am still shy, I am beginning to come out of my shell slowly. I embrace my weird humor and my loud laugh; if others don't like it, that's their problem and not mine.

One of my friends lately said one of the most wise pieces of advice I've ever heard. "If people don't like me, that's their problem." I wish I had learned that sooner. If others don't like who I am, I shouldn't worry about it. It truly is their problem. I have always worried about being liked. Now, I don't care. I have a sarcastic sense of humor and an affinity for movies, music, writing, reading and politics. I geek out about what I love now, rather than shrugging my shoulders and not being proud.

While this entry is scattered, as is my journey into self-love, there is one main theme. I do not want to censor myself. Sometimes, I'll wonder if I should post about being a "meme queen" or I delete my tweets because they might be too sarcastic or liberal. In this journey of self-love, I want to be committed not to censor myself. If someone doesn't like who I am or what I like, that's their issue. It's been a journey that has lasted over a decade, but I am finally here. I love myself. If someone objects, I don't care.

I don't belong to anyone but myself. Each night, I sleep in sheets that are mine. My choice not to shave is mine. I do my hair and dress how I please because it's mine. I take care of myself and depend on no one; I pay my own bills and talk myself out of it when I'm feeling down. My worth is determined by my actions, not by my appearance. I used to worry that people wouldn't like me because my breasts are small; now, I appreciate them because they're healthy and I hope I never get cancer there. My choices are mine. My interests are mine. I'm a political science student, not a body to be studied and deemed attractive or not. I'm an artist, not a pretty face. I'm a woman, not an object.

I really do love myself. I love my constant drive for self-improvement, making each day an opportunity to be better than the previous. I love my empathy and compassion for everything and everyone from my family to the Great Lakes. I love my work ethic; I always work hard and get assignments done in a timely manner, exceeding expectations. I love my ability to stand up for myself. When I'm lonely, I enjoy my own company. I love my music tastes and affinity for movies. I love that I can't go a single day without declaring my love for Steve Buscemi or making an Always Sunny reference.

I will always have myself -- and I can get through anything.