Life has thrown a few surprising twists at me lately that have lead to self-realizations and paramount lessons. When I was in high school, I remember a certain analogy being sung at me over and over: Life is like a flight. When something goes wrong, you must put your oxygen mask on before helping anyone else. This comparison never resonated with me until recently. It does not matter what chapter of life you are currently living; when the world around us changes, we often change with it. Getting caught in a web of negativity is so easy, and that's the trap I found myself in recently. I was so flustered with the supposed chief pieces of life that I forgot to take care of myself first. Fortunately, these webs are spun for a reason. Whether there is some lesson to be learned or some change that must be made, every struggle is faced in order to reach an outcome.

Because life is unpredictable and perplexing, we forget that it's beautiful and meant to be lived! I woke up several mornings ago with a sudden realization (it hit me like a brick wall, actually) that the overall quality of my life is determined by the decisions I make. With lots of prayer and soul searching, I found the root of my problem. This is an important insight, not because of my own personal experience, but because I know others have struggled in the same way. My problem, that led to so many others, was the lack of love I gave to myself. It sounds so simple and unimportant but, truthfully, it's life changing. The way we treat ourselves affects the love we can give to others, so why do we so often fail to take care of our own hearts first? For me, being kind to others is always incredibly easier than showing kindness to myself. I am often the ultimate bully to the girl in the mirror, never realizing how much the negativity can affect me.

So how life changing can self-love really be? Here are a few ways putting yourself first can create a happier you.

Remember your worth.

You were made in the image and likeness of God. God, the creator of the universe. Every time we find something "wrong" with the masterpiece he created, we're insulting His art. It's not always easy to wake up feeling confident about your body or hair or skin, but we are worth so much more than this world offers us—even on the days when we can't see it.

Raise your standards.

This doesn't just mean you should be picky with the next person you date (although you should do that, too). Have high standards for yourself in general; the friends you make, the food you eat, the places you find bliss, all make up who you are. Don't settle.

Push yourself...

We are called so much higher than to only walk through the motions of life. Challenge yourself to be the best version of yourself you can be. Pray more, study harder, run faster, sing in the shower louder.

...But know your limits.

It's OK to say 'enough.' Remember that you are human and you can only handle so much—whether your load is stress, sadness, chaos or something else. Giving yourself a break is just as healthy and caring as pushing yourself.

Accept that you are only human.

We are imperfect beings. No matter how hard we try to achieve some pure equilibrium in life, there will always be bumps and bruises along the way. Knowing your flaws (and understanding that they are okay) helps foster the loving and forgiving spirit we all need.

The little changes I have made to focus on myself have created a new, happy energy within, and people can see it. Positivity radiates and is often contagious, and it can be created through self-love. Keep in mind that learning to love yourself isn't selfish—in fact, it's necessary. I've had to pick up pieces of myself before trying to give any part of me to others. Put your mask on first. Fill yourself up before pouring love out.