Have you ever scrolled through the popular page of Instagram only to see girls in their bikinis looking less like girls and more like unequivocally attractive super humans? I’m totally guilty of spending way too much time stalking these girls who, in many cases, I don’t even know. After wasting hours of my precious time, I get up and catch myself in the mirror. I scowl at my appearance, spiteful that I don’t look like *insert pretty girl here.*
Why do we do this to ourselves?
We fight and fight the body we were born in hoping that we will magically turn into someone else. But the truth is: we will never be supermodels (unless you are, which is great for you). As much as I would love to snap my fingers and turn into Gigi Hadid—I simply won’t. Us girls compare ourselves to no end; “If I only had her nose, her thighs, her face…blah blah blah.” It’s honestly useless.
Why?
Simply because we will never change. It’s harsh but true. Yes, maybe you can lose a little weight or get some cosmetic surgery but you will never truly change your appearance. So do you really want to spend your entire life in a constant internal battle when you could be using up that precious brain space for things that make you feel good? Watch a funny movie, hang out with friends, spend time with family, volunteer, get involved. Once you start doing things that make you feel good inside, your outward appearance will lose its importance.
I am also a firm believer in that everyone is beautiful. We are all unique creatures who have so much to offer. There is not one prototype of beauty; it comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Comparing your looks to others is like comparing apples to oranges. You look different from everyone else. You are unique. Your beauty is different from her beauty.
But do you know what’s even sexier than big lips, a flat stomach, and perfect bone structure?
Confidence.
If you can rock what you got then I can guarantee people will come flocking to you. I love when I meet a girl who knows she’s not perfect but is secure in the way that she looks. Accepting your own personal beauty is a game-changer. It will open up your world because when you’re not focused on your insecurities all the time, you can actually let go and enjoy your life. Crazy, right?
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not some self-actualized guru. I am still very self-conscious about the way that I look. And it’s not easy these days when your insecurities are shoved in your face on social media every day.
But even those beautiful Instagram models who you would give your left arm to look like, even they feel not good enough sometimes. There’s always going to be someone prettier, or smarter, or more talented. So all you can do is be the best you. Don’t try to look like anyone else. It’s such a shame that our bodies do so much for us and we constantly criticize them. Maybe we should start appreciating the skin that we’re in.
My favorite quote of all time is: “a flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms”
Bloom, baby. Bloom.
Image courtesy of Inspirational.ly