The term self-confidence itself has been overused making it seem redundant and useless. Although I still can be awkward, I don’t take let anyone ruin any part of my newfound self-confidence. However, please don’t confuse confidence with cockiness and arrogance, sometimes it’s worse than being insecure. I’ve been hearing “be confident and trust your instincts” for as long as I can remember. But what is confidence? Confidence is accepting that compliment, even though you know you didn’t put much effort into styling your hair this morning or choosing which outfit would go well with the weather this morning. Even when you think you’ve done a sloppy job on that project or book report, remember, opinions differ from person to person. Just thank the person who complimented you and move on with your day. Dwelling on and on about how many zits you have won’t make them go away (coming from someone with acne-prone skin) or how much weight you’ve put on since freshman year doesn’t change the fact that you are who you are.

I used to be confident with my appearance. I knew I was curvy but I liked my weight. Then all these girls started body-shaming themselves, and I felt the need to do so myself. I knew I wasn’t skinny, but I would post pictures of models online and say, “dream body.” It was pathetic but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to fit in. Kids my age romanticize body-shaming because who wants to admit they like something about themselves? I hate how this is the new “trend” or whatnot. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something about it: whether it is an exterior or interior issue. Don’t doubt yourself and put yourself down for such vain matters. Unfollow those sick Twitter or Instagram accounts that post a picture of skinny legs and crop out the face. People will care about who you are on the inside;  looks can only get you so far in life.

Confidence is the best beauty product in the market. Be confident in your judgments and choices that show the best parts of who you are. Don’t point out or obsess over your flaws. Take selfies. Be confident in how you look. Find what works best for you. Take care of yourself, but not to a point where you’re obsessive and it consumes your entire life. Stop bullying yourself about something that you might not be able to change. You are a worthwhile human being who doesn’t owe anyone beauty except yourself. Not only are you worth living for, but you are worth thriving for. Live for who you want to be and no one else.