Around Valentine’s Day, we are often reminded to spread love and give kindness to those around us, whether it is to friends, family, or a special someone. While this is all well and good, it is sometimes forgotten that the key to loving others is learning to love yourself — all of yourself, imperfections included. Many people may have trouble with self-love after experiencing self-consciousness growing up, due to things like acne, weight, scars, or different ‘abnormalities’.
In my case, my self-image issues began when the puberty fairy blessed me with various forms of facial hair. I didn’t quite understand why I was the only girl with a mustache or why everyone in my class had neat eyebrows while mine connected. Why couldn’t I just have braces and call it a day? These were the things that kept me up crying at night. I wanted to be like everybody else.
(Photo courtesy of PhotoPin)
As I look back now, I owe a lot to those strange pubescent features and with it being the season of love, I thought I’d give them the credit they deserve:
Dear Facial Hair,
Years ago, I would have never expected myself to write this letter. I had spent countless nights crying, wondering why I had this uncommon “beauty” trait. Why couldn’t I just have bad acne? — I’d say to myself. No matter how many times I plucked or how many creams I used to get rid of you, you stayed. Despite how much I hated it, you were a part of me and just something I had to get used to in order to survive. However, you made me feel imperfect and that angered me.
As the years went by, you’ve crept up on me time and time again. I tried to hide you to give off a flawless image, but you always managed to help me stay humble. Your constant presence over the years has reminded me to love what makes me different and that imperfections make us just as beautiful as the women we see in magazines. In your own unique way, you have taught me to love myself and embrace beauty on the inside and out. While many people look back on the awkward tween years and cringe at the photos, I’m finally coming forward to thank you for helping me love every part of me and recognize the beautiful unique parts of everyone else in the world.
Thank you for helping me grow and explore what is bigger and deeper than beauty on the outside.
All my love,
The Growing Girl
This Valentine’s Day, in addition to loving your special someone, family, friends and the planet, be sure to put yourself on the list. If you do not have self-love, it is hard to be anything at all.