Self Confidence
Growing up and dealing with all the changes that come with being a teenage girl is hard enough. Now add societal pressure to be perfect and jealous "friends" who tear you down. This is what I dealt with—feelings like loneliness, fear for the future, and low self-esteem as a teenager. I was called "too try-hard," "too small," "too much," "too quiet." In public, I felt as though I couldn't be my true self, hiding who I was for fear of judgement. As I grew, this self-consciousness seemed to simply stretch alongside me. The names I was called (and that I called myself) shape shifted along with whatever my life looked like.
However, my life took a turn when I was diagnosed with a seemingly incurable and debilitating chronic illness. Suddenly the self-conciousness was no longer my biggest problem. Through my hardship, I gained perspective. I learned that most of the time, when people make fun of you, it is a reflection of their own insecurities. For me, I used to make a habit of trying to change other's opinion of me, when I should have been focusing on the only person that truly mattered: myself. Falling ill forced me to do just that: pay attention to my own wants and needs. Discovering my strengths, accepting and loving my weaknesses. Now, I feel fully confident that who I am is perfect—no change needed.
I want you to know that a lifechanging event is not needed to change this perspective about yourself. Take this as a sign to listen to your body, your mind, your wants, your needs. This is your life anyway, and those who truly matter will see you for who you are. Be true to you.