If you have read the book or watched the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” you know the story of Hannah Baker. Her downfall started with a few false rumors and spiraled out of control from there. It’s clear throughout the series that if one person—including herself—had stuck by her side, things might have gone differently. It is so important to love yourself. You are the most important person in your life and you cannot take that for granted. You should love yourself without limits—and here are 13 reasons why.
1. You are intelligent
Whether you have a 4.0 or you’re not doing so hot in school, you have more knowledge than you know (pun not intended). Think about all the things you do or are interested in. There is something there that you have a strong grasp on. Whether it’s physics, makeup, sports, fashion, writing, or all of the above, you have knowledge that is unique to you!
2. You have passion
Everyone has something they’re passionate about. Some people find their passions when they’re 5 years old, some people find out in their 20s, and others even later. Passion is so much more than falling in love with one thing and sticking with it. Passion is in the moment. If you’ve yet to have that “Aha!” moment about your passion, consider what you’re doing right now— what do love at the moment? That new hit single that just released? The Youtube channel you just started? The book you’re reading? Passion can be life-long or just for now. Whatever fits you!
3. You are talented
We have all seen those movies about someone who once thought they had nothing to offer the world only to find out that their hidden talent was there all along. No one is born playing the guitar or playing basketball; talents are discovered and are unique to you. Everyone is good at something, including yourself. Whether it’s belting those high notes or breaking a wooden plank with one kick, you’ve got talent!
4. Other People Care For You and Love You
No is one is ever truly alone. Even if you don’t even realize it, people care about you. They want you to love yourself and be happy. Think of the person you care most about in the entire world: what if they didn’t love themselves? Wouldn’t that break your heart? Whoever that person is, you owe it to them to love yourself as much as they love you, and then some.
5. You Deserve Happiness
You absolutely 100 percent deserve to be happy. You should live every moment like it’s your last. There is simply no time to think about what you don’t like about yourself, so shrug off those negative comments, and do something you that makes you happy.
6. You Are Someone Else’s Sunshine
You make someone’s day so much brighter, whether you know it or not. We influence the lives of other people without even realizing it. You could be your parents’ sunshine, friend’s sunshine, a random person on the street that sees you smiling, or even someone through social media that loves to see your pictures. You never know what kind of influence you have in other people’s lives; don’t take that for granted.
7. We All Have Bad Days and That’s Okay
No one is a stranger to bad days; everyone has had at least one in their life. Turning a bad day around isn’t always as easy as it seems, but letting yourself fall further is easy. Bad days are often when you tell yourself you must not be good enough, but that’s just not true. It’s not simple, but we have to work through our bad days and try to keep a positive attitude.
8. You Are Unique
No one is just the same as you; take pride in that. Rather than cursing yourself for being different, celebrate yourself for standing out. No one can do what you do. No one looks the same as you—even identical twins have some differences.
9. You Are Worth More Than Other People’s Opinions.
Not everyone in the world is going to absolutely adore you. Some people might dislike you completely, but that doesn’t matter. No one else’s opinion defines who you are as a person—only you can define that. Don’t let someone else’s words become who you are; let your words and actions show for themselves.
10) You Deserve More Than You Think
A big problem people have with self-love is being ignorant to what you truly deserve, which is nothing short of the best. Don’t downgrade yourself to think that you can’t have something because it’s “out of your league” or “too good for you.” Shove those thoughts aside and realize that you deserve the absolute best, and no one can tell you differently.
11) Nothing is Worth Your Own Self-destruction
Whether we’re talking body image, boys, work, school, or anything else in-between, NOTHING is worth you thinking less of yourself. If something is dragging you down, make a change. Turn the other direction, talk to a friend, seek professional help; whatever it takes to get yourself away from the negative situation that is dragging you down.
12) You Have a Bright Future
You are destined for great things. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you came from, or what you’re doing in life—you have a purpose. There is something that you were born to do, and you’re going to do it. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and confidence, but you can make it happen
13) You are BEAUTIFUL
From your head to your toes, your soul to your mind, you are beautiful. Anyone that tells you different is wrong. Don’t ever think for a second that you’re anything short of a beautiful human being. You are beautiful and you deserve the world.
Despite anything that happens to you, hold on tight to the love you have for yourself. No one should be able to take that away from you. If someone makes you feel as though you don’t matter, cut them out of your lives as soon as possible. It’s easier said than done, so if cutting them out completely is not an option, at least try to distance yourself and remember this list as well as the hundreds of other reasons you should love yourself. If we’ve learned anything from “13 Reasons Why” it’s that you never know what is going on in someone else’s life. Be kind and loving toward everyone—including yourself; they might need it more than you know.