Mirror, Mirror, On the wall...

Too much hip,
Not enough butt.
My jeans never fit how they should.
My body is never good enough.
Too much skin here,
Not enough there.
It's like the mirror was made to taunt me,
Mocking my despair.
I try on an old shirt
But the top is a little tight.
I don't know why I can't squeeze in;
Last month it fit just right!
I don't get it.
All the other girls look so perfect.
Why can't I be like them
Instead of feeling so worthless?

Girls, let's face it: We've all felt like that at some point or another. Like we are worthless and our physical appearance isn't good enough. But who's to say what "perfection" is? I'm sure I've said this before, but I'll say it again. Your imperfections are what make you flawless. I don't think girls give themselves enough credit these days. Why do you let other people judge you? Why do you let a clothing size define you? I don't know who is reading this, but whomever you are, you ARE perfect. Nobody is better at being you than YOU. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to put on a pair of jeans that don't fit me and used to just a few months prior. Or a top that used to be adorable on me, but I try it on and the seam rips. Do I stare at myself in the mirror and say, "God, you got fat!" No. I don't. I look at it as an opportunity to buy newer and cuter clothes that WILL fit. So why don't other girls see it this way? I'll admit I have flaws. I've got big feet for a girl my height. I've got a little more chub in the middle than I'd like. I've got no volume to my butt. My teeth aren't completely straight. My hips are huge. I've got breakouts on my forehead. My nails are bitten down to practically nothing. Do I obsess about these things? No. Do they bother me? To an extent. But I don't let it ruin my life like a lot of you do. Some girls will go so far to try to be "good enough". But what is there that isn't good enough about you already? The fact that you try so hard to be like everyone else instead of just being happy with the way you are, that is what makes you inferior to them. If you don't love yourself first, then how can you expect anyone else to love you? Embrace the beauty in what you consider negatives about yourself. Confidence is key. If you walk into a room and act like you own it (without being cocky), people will see that and automatically go with it. Smile without fear of who is watching, and you'll attract the right kindof attention. The longer you stare at yourself in the mirror, the more things you'll see that are "wrong". So step away and ask yourself what GOOD things you see. Me? I see a great skin tone. Freckles in all the right places. The silkiest hair of anyone I know. Eyes the color of chocolate. My list of good outweighs all the bad things. And when you look beneath the surface, that's when you find the things that truly matter. So what if you're not the prettiest girl? If you let yourself feel beautiful because of what's in your heart, it'll shine through to the surface. Not only is confidence a key factor, but so is happiness. Happiness looks good on anyone, and especially on you. Try it out sometime. I guarantee that smiling more often will alone do wonders to your outer beauty.

My point?
Everyone is shallow to some extent, but in the end looks don't matter. And if they do matter to someone, then that person isn't worth your time. Be loved for who you are, not what you are. Don't ever let someone make you feel low because of snide comments about appearance. You're above that. Words are only words. Your thoughts, your feelings, your opinions; those are the things that should matter most to you. What other people perceive or think isn't important. Live your life for yourself, don't do it to please others. That's a lesson I had a hard time learning, but finally figured out in the end. Take my advice now before you have to find out the hard way.

Your mission?
Write a positive note to yourself. Something small like, "You ARE beautiful!" and put it someplace where you'll see it everyday. Keep it there until you start believing it and no longer need the encouragement. Maybe you'll even want to take it a step farther and put notes in random public places where other girls will find them. Or choose a different friend to compliment each day. Someone somewhere will appreciate your kindness and it will hopefully boost her self esteem. :)

REMEMBER: YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. If you ever need someone to remind you again, talk to me. I'm more than happy to cheer you up!