Self

First time I became aware of how I looked was when I was about six or seven. I don’t recall the exact words said over my shoulder, looking to color photo of me holding a kitten, but it was along the lines - look at that round, chubby thing. Needless to say, it was not meant for the kitten. I was constantly compared with my naturally skinny cousin. There was nothing wrong with me, just a different body type. I wish someone had told me that I was healthy and people are idiots.

Instead I grew up insecure about my self-image. Looking in the mirror, looking at the photos and picking apart every flaw I imagined I had. It was not the people anymore, it was now myself  judging, ridiculing and being the cruelest of them all.

People’s opinions don’t matter. Especially when it comes to you and to your life. It is yours and yours alone. You are responsible for your own experience and internal dialogue. You should never compare yourself with others, but look for yourself and take care of yourself. No one else will.