I always felt like I didn’t fit in growing up.
Being somewhat of a tomboy, I didn’t share the interests of the majority of girls my age.
I didn’t give a damn about makeup, clothes, or the most recent celebrity rumors.
I preferred to enjoy outdoor activities and sports.
As a result, I frequently felt alienated and out of place.
I dealt with low self-esteem and a bad body image since I was taunted and bullied by my peers.
I started to think that I was flawed in some way and that I wasn’t good enough just the way I was.
I didn’t begin to understand that my differences were actually my assets until I was in my mid-twenties.
I embraced my passion of sports and the outdoors and started looking for others who had similar interests.
I learned that there were people out there who valued what I accomplished and admired me for who I am.
I started to develop a sense of self-acceptance and self-love via this journey of self-discovery.
I understood that being unique was acceptable and even beneficial.
I came to understand that what made me special was my individuality, and I began to enjoy it.
But there were difficulties along the way on my path to self-acceptance.
To change years of negative self-talk and create a good self-image, it needed time and effort.
I had to learn self-care and to think of myself as deserving of respect and affection.
I am so extremely pleased of how far I’ve gone when I look back on my journey.
I’m proud of myself for having the guts to accept my differences and defend my convictions.
I am proud of the friendships I have developed with individuals who value me for who I am, flaws and all.
And I’m happy of the woman I’ve grown into, one who cherishes her individuality and values herself.
I urge you to continue if you have trouble accepting yourself or feel like you don’t quite fit in.
Although the trip is not always simple, it is worthwhile.
Celebrate your individuality and accept your differences.
Be in the company of others that value your uniqueness and embrace you for who you are.
Be kind to yourself first and foremost because you deserve to be loved and respected for who you are.