I’ve never been the type of girl that looked in the mirror and fell in love with what was staring back at me. As I grew up, I was constantly wearing cover-ups to the beach, or walking by the mirror a little faster so I didn’t have time to dwell on the things I hated most.

I thought that I was not capable, or even worthy of someone else’s time and appreciation. I grew to accept this as a part of me in which I had to deal with, but you would not.

You took your time with me and was patient with every breakdown and panic attack I had, and took each day on with a wide smile and words of encouragement.

You took time to show me that there were parts of me that were worth loving. That no matter how hurt I had been in the past, there was always room for growth and love.

You told me that I was a sunflower and I needed to let the light in and let it engulf me so that I could grow.

You showed me the things you loved about me one by one, and made sure that I knew and believed you.

You saw me as beautiful in my most vulnerable states. You praised the parts of me that I hated most; thank you for that.

Thank you for your constant affection and adoration. Whether you realize it or not, you slowly have shone light on the darkest parts of me and what used to be dark corners are now blossoming pieces of me that I have learned to love.

My reflection is not my defining factor; I am full of love and hope, and my intellect has me shooting for the stars. But to have full confidence in myself, I must be confident of what I show to other people.

I have fallen in love with myself and have become more comfortable with the person I am becoming. I have slowly began to smile more, make conscious effort to notice the little details about myself that I did not notice before.

I have learned to see myself for what I truly am; and that is beautiful.

I now look in the mirror most mornings, and am pleased with what looks back at me; a confident and optimistic person who is one step closer to taking on this world and becoming part of something amazing.

Learning to love you has also helped me to love myself, and I cannot thank you enough for that.