Choose to love yourself…
Life as a girl is pretty complicated. (every girl reading this right now) “Facts”. Why are we so hard on ourselves? Speaking of, God forbid I wake up with a planet on my face (Lol… ok maybe not a planet). Do you get where I am going?
In the last few weeks, I have met over 200 girls through a gown submission giveaway process. Part of the submission process is to share a little bit about themselves. I seriously wish I could hug these girls and tell them how amazing, brave they are and how deserving they all are to be happy but most importantly, to feel good about themselves and who they are.
There was a worry that many of the girls had in common
Example: “I felt bad when I went shopping for my sweet sixteen dress. The girls trying their dresses were able to fit in their gown, I needed a larger size and I didn’t feel as pretty”. I understand those feelings, I do. I am 4ft 9 (16 yrs old) and every dress I tried on was too long – I tried not to focus on that (I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was a process and something I struggled with a little bit).
My mom assured me prior to arriving at the store that whatever had to be adjusted, would be — she was right. So, I enjoyed the moment. I twirled away and created my very own project runway… lol, In fact, I probably had more confidence than the girl that was 5ft 6 tall trying on her gown (because while to me she was the “perfect” height, I also understand that everyone we meet is fighting their own battles too).
How cool if we could focus on embracing what we think is imperfect about us?
I had to learn that on my journey towards my teens. I see it this way, I can’t change my height, but I can embrace it and love it. I can choose to love myself, regardless of my size, height, or what the world thinks of me. In a world where social media praises “perfection”, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of feeling less “cool”, “perfect”.
Loving yourself and being patient with yourself takes a lot of time.
Embrace all of you, remind yourself that there is more to you than what people can see with their eyes. Twirl like the Queen you are, look at yourself in the mirror, and remind yourself that no matter the size of your dress, the amount of fabric that has to be taken in, that isn’t a reflection of the beauty inside. The next time you’re out shopping for a gown, compliment the girl next to you, you never know what her struggles are, and don’t forget to compliment yourself too.
You’re amazing, believe that. Be good to you…
Remember this:
Regardless of how the world feels about you, choose to love yourself. I understand how hard that can be sometimes. So many pressures to fit in, be liked, be accepted. Rejection is tough too, something I think many struggles with also. Rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough; it means others didn’t notice what you have to offer. When you start loving all of you, you realize nothing else matters, and what others think about you is none of your business.
Be patient with yourself. You’re going to have moments, that’s ok too
