Have you ever thought or felt that whatever you do, you are never happy with yourself no matter what? Do you ask these questions to yourself?
"Why am I not as pretty and appealing as the other women?" "Why am I too thin?" or "Why am I fat?" "Why can't I look like that?" "Why can't I speak as good as them?" "Why am I not good enough?"
And the list goes on...
I DID. It seemed that I had massive self-esteem issues that I couldn't surmount no matter how hard I tried. My worst enemy was myself. I was in an incessant battle with myself and I was just fighting to lose. And I used to think I would never going to be truly happy with myself. I would sometimes fake a smile that it fooled everyone around me. I pulled it off like I was carefree and effervescent, but in reality I was not, because I'd sit up all night thinking about the things that I couldn't have. I found myself becoming everything I couldn't even stand which made me hate myself even more.
But then I thought and told myself, "Hey, it's time to change everything about yourself". So, I changed my outlook and perspective in life. I stopped being too hard on myself. When someone gives me a compliment, I accept it graciously. But of course, I bear in mind that my outward appearance or my other attributes don't describe or outline my essential qualities.
I have learnt to love myself and I am now confident with myself, knowing that I am indeed beautiful. I don't need people's approval to have a feeling of security within myself. I am content with who I am, because I understand that the more I try to change, the more I lose who I really am, and I don't want to lose my self-identity.
The world may say that what I possess or what I look like defines who I am and determines my worth. This is utter lie. I believe and know that I am a work of art - carved by God. I am created in His image, in His likeness. I am His true beauty. I am created with beautiful lips to speak words of life to others; reflective eyes to see God and His glory in everything; productive hands to build myself up and not be idle and to help others in need. God has uniquely designed me and equipped me with all I need to create an impact on the lives of the people around me.
The book "His Princess: Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd inspired me to write this post. Every day, I'd read one page from this book to be encouraged by the words that I'd imagine my King, my Heavenly Father had specially written for me, to remind me of His unconditional and steadfast love for me. Sometimes, my human nature takes over and my insecurities and feelings of unworthiness pervade my whole being, but I just remember to run immediately to Jesus through prayer, and He reconnects me to my Heavenly Father.
This is my entry for 100 Days Steem Schools Ultimate Challenge (Prize Fund 5000 SBD) - Make the best selfie with a love message for Day 15. Thanks to the competition Sponsors: @dobartim, @tatjanastan, @flysky, @aidasfg7.
I would like to thank @dobartim, @itsmechille, @flysky of #steemschools for all their creative input that's why I am encouraged to participate in this challenge.
I would also like to thank my sister, @sarahdandridge, whom I love so dearly, for introducing me to steemit. I would not be able to rekindle my passion in writing if it weren't for her.
If you would like to participate in this #ultimatechallenge, visit this link @dobartim/steem-schools-ultimate-challenge-5000-sbd-prize-make-the-best-selfie-with-a-love-message-day-13 to find out the rules and guidelines!