“You were brainwashed into thinking European features are the epitome of beauty.” From one quick look at a pop culture magazine or a brief skim through  Instagram, girls and boys everywhere are getting tricked into thinking that the models they see through these sources are how they are supposed to look. This mindset can be dangerous especially for teenagers due to not feeling sufficient or worthy enough based on their looks.

There is always going to be something we are all striving for. The “if I change this about my appearance then I will be happier” mindset. The unfortunate part about the society we live in is that we strive to be better than others. It’s always a competition to see who can have the most muscular legs or who has the flatter stomach. All the little things that when brought together result in making the ridiculous conclusion that you’re better or worse than certain people. You’ve heard it before, and you will hear it again; you’re perfect the way you are and there is no need to change for anyone but yourself. But that’s easier said than done! It’s not easy to 100% accept yourself for the way you when society is telling you to be something you’re not.

Long story short, there is always going to be something we want to  change about ourselves if we could, but there is nothing more important than self acceptance and learning to love the parts about yourself that people don’t clap for. Don’t get sucked into the trap of glamorizing unnatural and unachievable body types. Social media often gives us the perception that in order to be considered “attractive” you have to have a flat stomach, but be curvy, with tan skin, but not orange, white teeth, but never admit to whitening them, and countless other ridiculous expectations that are borderline impossible for anyone. It’s okay to healthily change things about your appearance in order to switch things up or get into better shape, but what’s most important is to not change for anyone but yourself. Self love is so overlooked nowadays, and people often mistake it with being conceited or full of themselves. However, loving yourself and all the flaws that come with you is anything but being cocky, it takes off stress of feeling the need for approval and acceptance from others. Always remember, “love is always louder than the pressure to be perfect”.