Two such powerful words. But only: If you believe them, If you embrace them, If you strive towards them. Otherwise, they are just two meaningless words on a computer screen. There may be obstacles. Aren't there always obstacles when it comes to the things most worth fighting for? Society is one of them.
Why? Society has idealized certain traits like long eyelashes, skinny body, long legs, etc. Comparing yourself to society's impossible standards causes pain, anxiety, and even depression.
Some quick facts for you:
52% feel that the media pressures them to change their body image
65% of teens are afraid of gaining weight
44% of teens skip meals as a tactic to losing or controlling weight
Around 50% of young 13 year old American girls reported being unhappy with their body. This number grew to nearly 80% by the time girls reached 17 years of age.
Your family, your true friends, your teachers, your coaches don't want you to change. They want you to prosper. And prosperity, while a tricky word, has absolutely nothing to do with what you look like. Talke to someone about how you feel. Open up. Take breaks from social media, where I promise, everyone looks a whole lot happier than they actually are.
Love yourself, embrace yourself, learn yourself.
