Happiness, confidence and learning to love yourself.

Hey! So I've decided to post about a really personal issue that has plagued me for most of my teenage life.

Feeling insecure.

In primary school, I was happy, carefree and had no real self awareness. But then I started high school and all that changed. I felt weird, self conscious, fat, ugly, all the things most teenagers feel. I actually remember the moment in year 7 when I became aware of my own being. But why? Through college, I was more mature but feeling self conscious made me feel shy around popular people and especially, boys. Around my friends, I felt inferior and worthless. Why did I matter? Who would want to date me or value me? I felt small and insignificant.

This post is for all you girls, boys, men and women out there that feel these feelings every day. It all starts with comparison. We compare what we have/don't have to others and that results in us feeling insecure. Why do we feel that way? Every single person in the world is worth everything and more. You are no exception. There is only one of you in this world and you need to make the most of the beauty and individuality that you have. Time is short people.

Confidence
I craved confidence through school. I wanted to be myself so bad but this stupid part of me always felt like I was holding half of myself back. Finding confidence is so hard and I'm getting there. Confidence doesn't always mean out going. It's having that trust in yourself that what you're doing and saying is reflecting who you are. After leaving school, I feel so much more confident and I'm still growing! I've discovered that I have a voice. You do as well. Being shy is ok, trust me. But don't let it ever hold you back from opportunities or people. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It is so worth it! Say yes to opportunities, even if it feels out of your depth. And smile! It's the most beautiful thing you have.

Happiness
We all deserve it. It's magical and can be found by the most simplest things. The tricky thing is finding what makes you happy! It takes time but eventually you will find the thing or even person that makes you completely happy. Hell, I'm still trying to find my passion! But I find happiness in staying positive and acknowledging what I have rather than feel shit about the things I don't have. I also have my little things like family, friends and stuff I'm interested in like beauty products, writing and singing that make me feel happy and feel like me! Right now, think of the things about yourself and life that make you feel sad. Guess what? You have a roof over your head and food in the fridge. You are richer than 3 quarters of the population. You know what else? You are loved. It may not feel like it at times but you are. Please don't take it for granted :)

How to love yourself
First thing's first: acceptance. Your flaws make you who you are and without them, you would be generic and boring. Accepting these flaws also takes time and patience. In high school, I hated my thick hair, freckly pale skin and my face shape. But now, I adore my hair, embrace my skin and have accepted that my face is the just the way it is. Your body and personality is yours. Own it! Do things that make you feel warm and fuzzy and give yourself a hug. Stop being so harsh on the poor thing.


Don't get me wrong, I wasn't clinically depressed or had no friends! I had loads of fun in school and my friends are beautiful people. But these issues are so relevant to teenagers everywhere and I wanted to share my own experiences while trying to convince you that you matter and that you don't deserve to ever feel like you don't. It takes time. You maybe be feeling crappy and worthless now but in the future you will grow and learn to love who you are without letting insecurity take over. Have faith and soon you will shine bright like a diamond (channelling Rihanna hahaha). You are strong. You are beautiful. You are worth it. Now believe it!

xxx