Feeling like you are not enough is sometimes hard to identify and explain. For some people, it can come from harmful relationships and mentally or physically abusive partners. For others, it can come from something as simple as a negative comment pointed towards you or your actions. Or it may even string from something from your childhood, such as who raised you or people you were associated with when you were growing up. No matter where these feelings come from, there are simple ways to get past them, although they may be challenging for some.

Do what makes YOU happy.

Now is the time to learn your passions. Find something new, explore your options, follow your dreams, give yourself some “me time”, and be happy. Do not hold yourself back because you’re afraid to be judged or because you’re worried you will make someone else upset. Do not allow anyone to stay in your life that does not add to your happiness and achievements. Do not let anyone or anything stop you from being happy or make you feel like you aren’t enough, because you are enough. Having goals and dreams and chasing after them is nothing to hide behind. So do it and be proud of and happy with everything you do.

Do NOT let anyone else’s opinions change your own.

The fact is that negative comments will usually stick with us longer than the compliments will. It is time to take control of what opinions you allow to stick and which ones you let go. People will give you their opinions whether you want them to or not. But just because you know everyone else’s opinions, it does not mean yours have to change. So dress the way that makes you feel good, wear (or don’t wear) your makeup the way that makes you feel beautiful, eat the “unhealthy” cake, and do what you like.

Stop comparing yourself to others.

It is so easy to look at someone else on social media and automatically compare your life, relationship, looks, or material things to theirs. But remember, no one is perfect no matter what they look like on social media. So stop all the comparison and love the life you have. Rather than focusing on making yourself or your life like someone else’s, focus on having your own life and being your own person. Take all those insecurities that get into your head and throw them out because life is what you make it, not what is seen on social media.