It’s impossible to go through life being friends with everyone. Somewhere along the way you’re going to run into a few people who dislike you for merely existing, or because by accident you’ve stepped on their toes and there’s no way you can get along. It’s not a bad thing, it’s not really anything to be ashamed of. Even the nicest person, the purest person in the whole world will be hated for being nice. Some people will actively try and throw roadblocks against any progress you make in anything, some people will just be dark marks. However, despite the hate, you can get from people you used to formerly call your friends, I have noticed that the biggest enemy is yourself—as cheesy as it sounds.

I think this because of the words I think about myself. Despite the bullies, the people in my past who long to see me suffer, they have never said anything as toxic as the words I say to myself daily. I would never even dream about talking to someone the way I talk to myself: things about my appearance, my weight, my mental health. Even though words from people had considered allies hurt, it’s me that has to pick up the pieces to become a better and happier person, and I can’t do that if I’m the only person who doubts herself. I get in the way of my own happiness, either by believing I don’t deserve it, or failing to reach opportunities because I am simply too afraid.

People come, and people go, but at the end of the day the one person that stays in your life is yourself. That voice is going to be the loudest, and although I have been unbale to do so yet, it must be trained to give you strength, not tear you apart. But this isn’t easy to do, it’s a practice, a war not a battle. Self-love is always easier said than done, it’s a practice and maybe even an art form because while you are your greatest enemy you are also your greatest ally and you must treat yourself as such.