In this world we as a society deal with a lot of negativity, whether it be through personal interactions, or social media. That negativity is something every one of us tend to try to filter out, and when it comes to seeing the good in other people, even the negative people around us, we can usually do so. That's because even though you think you really know them and they may be rude to you or make bad decisions that affect you, you still choose to see the good in them and love them anyway. So why is it such a popular thing to no longer to see the good in ourselves, and love who we are as human beings. Why are we all at this point where we are so discouraged and insecure. Everyone is different so there are many reasons to why certain people are the way they are, but I wanted to write this article and bring light to why you should take the time to really find yourself, and love who you are as a person because its honestly so important.

Every single day you encounter people; friends, family, roommates, professors, coworkers, etc. but most importantly, yourself. You are who you are with all your beauty and all your imperfections. No matter how many times you look in the mirror and want to change something about your appearance, or how many times you think a thought and wish you never had... You are who you are, and that is who you are stuck with for the rest of your life. So its time to start loving yourself, in every single aspect. And by that I don't mean giving yourself a compliment every morning or every night, and telling yourself that you did a good deed for the day by reposting an article on Facebook about saving the whales and our planet. Here's what I mean:

1. Appreciate the small things you do for people.

When you chose to smile at someone you walk past and you don't even know them, when you hold the door for someone and when you say please and thank you even when the person is being disrespectful to you, thats something to be proud of. Sometimes people may not appreciate these little things but as a person taking the time out of your day to do some of these will bring that good karma your way and who's going to say no to good karma?

2. Be proud of yourself for staying in on the weekends to get your school work done.

Life isn't easy, and if you go to school full-time, have a part-time job, and an internship, balance is a completely foreign concept. So when you take the time to better yourself in something that is going to be your future, don't feel lame, be proud of that. You do you girl, rock those glasses & pjs on Friday with no shame.

3. "Sure, I'll listen, are you okay?" When your friends are going through really tough break up or their life is just a mess (even though they talk about it 24/7 and you practically have their life sorrows down to a science), you choose to listen anyway and provide support and advice to them, so be proud of that!

The sad reality is that there are so many people in this world who will never be as good of a friend to you as you are to them but that's something you have no control over. What you do have control over is how you treat people and no matter what, staying loyal and present in a friendship can only benefit you later on down the road.

4. No one knows that you have been constantly trying to better your health, working out, eating right, and making better decisions.

So at 1AM when you are starving and only want 10,000 cookies and a large pizza but you chose to eat carrots & drink lemon water instead, that's definitely something to be proud of. I mean, lets be honest that takes some serious self control, so hell to you, ya look good girl.

5. Remembering people's names you've only met once, or remembering your closest friends preferences for movies and food are things that people notice.

When you take the time to listen, truly listen, and give people these small notions that you actually care it goes a long way. And of course, that's something to be proud of.. who doesn't love a friend who knows what to order them when they go to the bathroom?

You are the only one who knows what choices you make in your head, and what words you chose not to say in order to save someone from pain. You are the only one who knows how hard you are working to achieve your goals, and how much you want to give up at the same time. So here's the key, because you are the only one who knows these things you are also the only one who has the power to motivate yourself, stay determined, and truly better yourself from the inside out. You know what your true weaknesses and strengths are and its time to start focusing on the positives, and the things you love about yourself so you can truly become whole a person before trying to give yourself to someone else.

After all, the person we always have the most trouble loving is ourselves, but a person who is truly content with themselves can only bring good energy and actions to the people who surround them, and that's the kind of person you should want to be. You owe it yourself to appreciate, respect, and love all of the fibers of your being.