Take a close look at a tree. You'll notice its knots and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully. – Matthew Fox

Accepting yourself the way you are is one of the most complex things in today's world. People want to be thinner, prettier, rich, and everything except who they are. The standards set by society are so high that we cannot be satisfied with ourselves. Being perfect is what everyone wants. It makes people more and more pessimistic. Self-love is the best quality anyone can possess, and acceptance of imperfections is what the world needs. 

 

We all have different perspectives on life. That is also how our flaws shape. Flaws aren't specific, and people can be insecure about any aspect of their life. If the issue is something that makes you a better person, try and change it. But, if it brings harm to you, let yourself be. The world is critical enough, and you don't have to criticize yourself as much. 

 

"You are enough". I think everyone should live by this quote. This life is yours alone, and I think you should stop asking people for directions to the places they have never been before.  No one else knows you better than you, and judgments will only discourage you. Taking different opinions from different people about yourself will create a mess in your head. To accept who you are, start letting in self-care, encouragement, positivity and better self-esteem. 

 

There are no steps to start loving yourself, but there are things you can do to make yourself feel loved. I have listed a few here:

  1. Take care of your health and body

The first step to loving yourself is taking good care of what you eat. "You are what you eat" is a fact. Eat healthy food and take care of lacking nutrients in your body. Focus more on your needs than your wants. Your body needs love, care and affection. Before you pour attention to anyone else, remind yourself to do it for your body. 

 

  1. Know yourself

It might sound simple and easy, but most people don't understand themselves. We become so indulged in taking care of other people that we forget to do so for ourselves. Observe what makes you happy, sad or anxious. Learn what your priorities are and focus on them. Make a goal for yourself and keep them in check. Know yourself enough, and don't stay confused. Believe me! It will help you grow mentally and emotionally.

 

  1. Learn to say "No".

Most people feel obliged to say yes to everything people ask of them. It might be either because of fear of being left out or a saviour syndrome. But, let me remind you to choose yourself before someone else. If you don't learn to say "no", people will misuse you and leave you with nothing.

 

  1. Treat yourself like you treat your best friend.

Be protective, spend quality time, cook, eat, push yourself and face your issue to solve them. How do we all treat our best friends? We wish them every happiness in the world and are ready to do anything for them. If we can do it for them, why not for ourselves? After all, we are our own best friends too.

 

  1. Give yourself a break.

You are a human. You get tired and need to rest and pause. Life is constantly moving forward, and you have a lot to achieve yet. But, after the first jump, you need a break to jump even higher. If your mind and body don't get a break from everything going around, you won't get to enjoy your success and learn from your mistakes.

 

  1. Be honest with yourself. 

You can lie to everyone, but you have to be true to yourself. If you can't state the truth within yourself, you can never create a better version of yourself. You have to accept your mistakes and realize what effort you need to put in. You can either write a journal or talk to yourself. Anything works. However, while realizing now that it is human to make mistakes. Learn to forgive and don't repeat it.

 

Everyone has their abilities and is beautiful in their way. You should love every part of yourself. You were sent here for a reason, and life is too short to worry about who likes you and who doesn't. Do what makes you happy while keeping in mind not to hamper your life goal. Let negativity out and welcome the positivity in you. Hope is the last thing ever lost, and even in the darkest part of life, there will be a ray of light waiting for you somewhere.