Adolescent Life Survival Guide

Emotional independence is not selfishness. Emotional independence is being able to cope and be alone within your own body. The ability to process a problem and work through it with your own mind. It’s a really hard trait to acquire. But I will say when you do acquire it, everything is so much easier for you. Being able to be alone without constant contact is a blessing.

To be able to look in the mirror and think you are beautiful without a mans voice telling you that. To be able to function as a human without worry what others will perceive of you being alone. It’s a powerful thing. To be able to live with yourself. I didn’t say that it’s everything a woman will want just the satisfaction of herself. Yes it does feel nice to get a compliment. I will agree. What is also nice is not having to rely on those compliments to be able to be stress free about your looks. You are beautiful. It’s easier to say than to believe.

One day you will acquire this trait maybe not now but emotional independence is something that no one can take away from you. Loving yourself provides more comfort than hating yourself. Give your mind a break! It’s hard to do but girls/guys look into the mirror point out things you love. Things that make you feel good. Things that make you feel comfortable. Someone else’s “flaws” could be your biggest admiration.

I do sometimes struggle with my image. Not because I think it is ugly, because people’s opinions led me to think that I was ugly. “Perfect” Instagram girls and “beautiful” models. It’s hard to keep up. I do believe ugly and beautiful are not terms to describe exterior appearance but to define internal make up. You’re beautiful, I believe everyone is. The moment you see yourself and think you are ugly, is the moment you started to believe those lies. Those opinions. Other people’s words don’t have power unless you give them power. They can’t hurt you unless you believe them.

What you should believe are facts. The facts are your mind, your soul, your personality, your body, are beautiful. If you are someone who deteriorates other people, you can work towards becoming a better person. Its not hard girls to just shut your mouth. If you don’t like her shirt, who cares? She loves that shirt. You should respect that. Every girl has their ways of feeling beautiful and we should support that. Make up, clothes, clubs, volunteering, anything that makes a girl feel more in touch with her inner self, we need to encourage.

It’s not our place to determine what makes someone beautiful, it’s theirs.