Self Love

In a world where we are taught to hate ourselves,

I will rebel.

Stupid

Ugly

No one will ever love me—

I have been told this every day, for over ten years.

But the thing is,

I do not care anymore.

I love myself, and that is what matters the most.

Yes, I do struggle with the idea of loving myself everyday,

and sometimes it feels hard to believe the concept that I am amazing,

But I see goodness in myself.

The anxiety I am so self-conscious of—reminds me that I am able feel everything.

The panic attacks that overwhelm me—remind me that it is all right if I cry—we all have our battle scars.

The constant need to repeat some actions—tells me that it is all right to look back on the past and learn from my mistakes.

I used to hate having mental illnesses—but why should I hate it, when it is a part of who I am?

            I am not alone in this battle.

            Friends and family are by my side—willing to help and protect.

No one should ever be alone, and that is what I love about myself.

I am willing to listen to anyone’s problems, especially if it means that I can help them.

I love that people open up to easily to me, and can confide dark ideas in me.

I love that I was able to find the right words to be able to talk my friends out of killing themselves.

I love that I can stand up to other people who are being cruel.

I love that I have the power to help.

I am loyal—I will defend my friends to the death.

So why wouldn’t I do the same for myself?

All those years of constantly hearing that I am worthless took a toll on me.

But now, I know am Strong.

I am Confident.

and I am Beautiful.

Trivial things used to bother me—

my larger nose, my chubby tummy, and my tiny eyes—

but these allow me to see the beauty in the world around me.

My nose that always seemed a little too big—helps me smell the blooming flowers outside in my garden.

My chubby tummy reminds me of all the wonderful foods I ate, and how fortunate I am to be able to eat the way I do.

My tiny eyes still see the light in others—I try to only see the best in others, and I think that changes my view of people, but other people are amazing too, and who am I to judge them?

I am Strong

            I can help others

                        I make other people’s day better by smiling.

I am Confident

            Although it is difficult, I have taught myself to walk with my head held high.

It took me seventeen years to realize this, but I am amazing.

It does not matter what other people think of me—this is my body, my mind, and my soul—not theirs.

            I have the right to love myself, so I will.

I am not alone. No one is. We are all beautiful.

It just takes some people a little longer to realize it.