The English language is filled with thousands of words, words that can build us up and break us down. But out of all the words in the English language, the most damaging to humans by far is the word "perfection."

Oxymoronic, isn't it? The same word that embodies everything impeccable in this world is the same word that eats away at us to our very cores.

We all want to be perfect, to appear as if our lives are flawless and that we are as happy as can be. But when we try to obtain perfection, an unobtainable noun, in every aspect of our lives, we end up with quite the opposite: insecurity.

We become so keen on making ourselves perfect that we grow more aware of the things we consider our flaws. And when we recognize our flaws, we begin to pick ourselves apart. We analyze every nook and cranny of our bodies, every word we say, every action we perform, until eventually, we are merely a robot of our former selves without a sense of happiness or identity.

But why lose ourselves in our flaws? Shouldn't we be found in what makes us, us? What makes us different from everyone around us?

We can't strive for perfection when it simply doesn't exist. And we can't pick ourselves apart until we no longer know who we are. So what's the solution? The solution is two-fold: surround yourself with people who recognize your beauty and strive to make you see that same beauty that radiates daily in yourself. Because even though after years of degrading yourself it will take time to feel as beautiful as your loved ones see you, it is certainly possible.

But more importantly, rebuild your own confidence. No matter how many times someone compliments you or shows you your own inner radiance, none of that will matter if, at your core, you still don't see it. Instead of waking up every day and thinking of all the things you hate about yourself or all of the things you have done wrong, simply think of one good thing about yourself and focus on bringing that part of you out for the day. It's amazing how much better you feel when you yourself recognize how wonderful you are. Eventually, you'll be able to take those compliments, rather than deflect them.

And if you surround yourself with anyone who doesn't make you feel beautiful inside and out, who instead brings your insecurities to the surface and puts them on display for you, say goodbye to them. They aren't deserving of all the light you have to bring to the world.

Remember that even though perfection isn't achievable, there will always be someone out there who sees you as perfect and beautiful no matter what. And that someone begins with you.