Many of us struggle with our self image and personal acceptance today. I know I have struggled with it plenty, and I firmly believe each of us struggles at some point, even if it is just for one moment. I wish I knew how to advise you on how to rid your mind of that self doubt but I don’t, or else I wouldn’t struggle either.
I will say, though, that even though I may not have met you, reader, that you are easily the most beautiful thing on this earth in this moment. I want you to believe that, because it is true.
No matter how rough today might feel, or how ugly someone said you are, or how dumb someone made you sound, I have to say, they couldn’t say anything further from the truth.
In high school and even now, I really struggle with accepting the way I look. I look back on the days of a fast metabolism, when no one paid attention to the fact I had worn sweatpants 4 of the 5 weekdays and forgot to brush my hair sometimes. Oh, grade school, where have you gone?
Well, first things first, we all struggle to accept ourselves in some way or form. Don’t feel like you are alone if you are struggling. It is an unfortunate reality for many, if not most, of us. Remember, few of us get to be supermodels or bodybuilders.
Also know though, you do not have to, nor does anyone want you to feel like this. I want you to feel as beautiful as you really are. There is no perfect answer to feeling beautiful, but there are things you can do to improve on your self image.
When I realized I had a very poor self image, I made the decision to delete all of my social media, with the exception of Facebook. Sounds crazy in 2018, I know, but since, I have found it incredibly rewarding. I have more time, I don’t feel like comparing myself to other women and have an opportunity to focus on myself and my goals.
I started to fill my phone with positivity and my conversation. I have found that kind words and actions feel good. I feel beautiful when I have been kind and loving toward others.
Posting a kind word on Facebook, or complimenting the girl in front of you on her blouse and many more acts of kindness make me feel happy. I feel most beautiful when I am being kind.
I also started to surround myself with people who made me happy and were positive and kind. Exposing yourself to toxicity makes it easier to fill your mind with negativity and leaves you open to put yourself down. I wanted to feel pretty on the inside too.
Boys and girls, you are beautiful! You are beautiful for the things you say and do, not just the looks. It isn’t a number on the scale, it isn’t about how straight your teeth are, it has nothing to do with how expensive your clothes are. It has everything to do with your personality, and if you look hard enough, you will find that it compliments your outer beauty.
You are beautiful and wonderful, and you are enough!
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer