One of the hardest things that I have had to deal with the last few years is constantly wondering if I will ever be good enough. Whether that be in school, in the workplace, and especially in relationships, the small voice of doubt has always been in the back of mind reminding me of everything that I am not. For a long time, I struggled with the things that I convinced myself I wasn’t, which led my entire life to be controlled by false truths and rude people. Recently, I found a way to combat these doubts and insecurities by telling myself what I am not, but then reminding myself that not being those things is okay.

I am not the girl that guys want, and that’s okay. I’m not the person who constantly goes out and always has a date. I’m reserved and I hold myself back in relationships because I fear rejection. I have come to accept the fact that relationships take time, and trust takes even longer due to my past, but again, that is okay. I am fortunate enough to have a family that supports me and my values and never lets my mind fall too deep when everyone else is out and about while I’m alone or at home.

I am not the girl who can be personally open. Yes, I can post embarrassing stories and goofy pictures on Facebook or Twitter all day long, but I use my weird, odd, and crazy side as a shell to hide what hurts me. I don’t like talking about serious topics because I have a hard time grasping harsh realities, and when conversations steer toward these topics, I either leave or I cry. It’s one of my bigger struggles, it never gets easier, but again, that is okay.

However, I am not the opinion of a boy who doesn’t matter. I am not “worthless” because I didn’t feel comfortable with things that he did. I am not “broken” because I didn’t conform to his wants. And I am in no way “stupid” because I didn’t see the end coming. I trusted someone and it backfired, but that doesn’t leave me a leper. So, to the girl who is reading this who is convinced that you aren’t good enough because a boy said so, please know that you are. You are so much more than what you are letting your mind believe. There will always be things that you aren’t, but not being good enough is not one of those things.