As we cruise our way past adolescence and into adulthood, it is so easy to lose sight of ourselves. There is so much pressure put onto us, as there is constant pressure to have the right "look," the right grades and the right behavior.
I struggle the most with having the right "look." There are some days where I look in the mirror, and I hate absolutely everything I see. You could tell me that I'm pretty or skinny or fit, and all of that goes in one ear and out the other. I know I'm not alone, and I'm not writing this as a cry for help or for someone to pity me. I'm writing this so that other girls (and guys too) know they aren't alone either.
A lot of these body issues come with the rise of social media. There are so many Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Tumblr accounts at our fingertips that we can browse that make us feel like we need to be this "ideal" person. I look at these accounts and think "wow I'm never going to look like this" or "I need to work out even more than I already am." I have realized I need to stop comparing myself to others or my image to others.
I am 5'7 and 128 pounds, which is absolutely normal and healthy for a young woman my age, and yet I am constantly feeling like I am not enough. I get self-conscious because other women are shorter than me; I get nervous that I'll intimidate guys because I'm upwards of 5'9 when I wear high heels. I constantly joke about not eating a second helping at dinner because I don't want to get 'fat" and brush it off like I don't believe it. The fact of the matter is that I do have self-image issues.
I am a generally positive person, and I try to let others see that in me too. What gets me the most is that I often don't like to bother people with all of my self-image issues, heck I think only a few people even know how much I am at constant war with it. There are days where I will just stare at myself and tear myself apart, "your skin is too pale," "your hair is too frizzy," "your legs could be skinnier," etc. I am slowly, but surely learning how to stop doing this. It happens less often than it usually does. I'm learning to compliment myself and look for the things I like, rather than what I hate about myself.
I'm getting better at it every day, but I think the most crucial thing to remember is to not compare yourself to other people. It is so discouraging if you live a life where you feel like you need to measure up. Do things that help your body and not harm it, and you will feel better about yourself.
I've realized that this issue is something that everyone experiences. It's all a matter of mindset. Being positive and keeping a healthy mindset eventually leads to a confident body. You're never alone.
