After recently binge-watching America's Next Top Model, I've come to a few realizations. Not every girl on this show has the perfect personality or appearance like we perceive most models to have. Many of them mention their weak points- even the seemingly perfect Tyra Banks!! But what makes these women so admirable is their confidence and choosing to embrace their flaws.

It's natural for people to pick apart and criticize themselves for things they view as flaws, but it's not always the most healthy thing to immerse yourself in. It may be hard to love your big forehead, weird nose, awkward personality etc. but these things you hate about yourself could be someone else's favorite quality about you. I often find myself frustrated with being more of an introvert, and struggling to open up to new friends- but I've found that this isn't always a weakness. Although being outgoing and bubbly is more conventionally admired, I've found that my "flaw" isn't always so bad. There's a lot to gain from sitting back and listening to what others have to say, rather than trying to fill the silence or make it seem like you're much more outgoing than you are. I honestly don't mind letting my friends rant about their day to me and telling me all of their little struggles. I love learning about other people's experiences, thoughts and even their mini struggles throughout their day. Taking a step back and giving myself a little "wiggle room" has helped me to realize that this quality about myself that I've always disliked, isn't really the worst thing. Internal imperfections are really all about how you choose to view them.

Physical imperfections go hand-in-hand with these internal struggles. It can be hard to view your unique features as beautiful in a society which is so focused on praising one single body type, perfect tan skin, long legs, etc. but we have to remember that there's not only one idea of beauty. We may not all look like Gigi Hadid or Kendall Jenner, but that doesn't mean you're worthless. Some of the most beautiful girls I've seen in magazines or TV shows don't really fit society's mold of perfection at all. I've noticed that the most beautiful people are the ones who embrace their uniqueness and hold their heads high with confidence. It sounds cheesy but, beauty really does radiate from the inside. It's hard to view a family member, friend, or even stranger as "ugly" when they've done even the smallest act of kindness for you. I can't think of a single kind-hearted person that I view as "ugly"- can you?

Self-love, kindness, and confidence are really some of the most beautiful features a person can have. I'm not exactly the poster girl for all these things, but hey- we're all a work-in-progress, right? So next time you look in the mirror, or feel like you said the "wrong thing," take a step back and remind yourself you're only human and we've all got room to grow.