It’s really easy in the culture we live in to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. Our society places so much value on physical appearance that it’s almost impossible to ignore. It’s human nature to long for love and belonging. Everyone wants to feel accepted and in some ways, it can even seem easier to focus on the superficial things than to focus on the real qualities that make us who we are. In my pursuit of perfection, I lost sight of who I truly was and who I really wanted to be. I think I will always have the voice inside that tells me that I’m not good enough, that I need to change something about myself for people to like me but now I’m learning acknowledge that those thoughts are there and choose to not give them the power that I used to. When I started to ask myself, “What do I want to be so that I can love and accept myself?” I came up with these 14 things that I would rather be than “pretty.”

1. Strong

Life is hard and everyone has a story. Our stories shape who we are and when we go through things, we learn, we grow, and we gain strength and experience.

2. Kind

When I’m with people, I would much rather be focused on how I’m making them feel about themselves than what they think about me.

3. Fun

It’s so freeing to be able to let go of fear and choose to enjoy the things that make life worth living.

4. Healthy

No amount of societal acceptance is worth the sacrifice of physical or mental health.

5. Passionate

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” -Unknown

6. Ambitious

Set goals, stay quiet about them, smash the hell out of them, clap for your damn self

7. Funny

The ability to make someone smile is a wonderful and priceless quality

8. Humble

Let your actions speak louder than your words.

9. Creative

“To live a creative life we must lose the fear of being wrong.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce

10. Courageous

Speak up for what you believe in.

11. Authentic

I want people to know the real me, not just the me that I pretend to be so people will like me.

13. Unique

“You were born original. Don’t die a copy” – John Mason

14. Independent

I don’t need other people to love me before I’m able to love myself.

15. Happy

Life is short, so spend it on things that make you glad you're alive.