I Like Me For Me: Why I'm Embracing My Flaws

The other day, I was asked if I was ever insecure about my smile.

It caught me off guard because no one had ever asked me, and I didn't feel a hint of shame when responding.

I said my smile was one of my most defining physical traits, one that can be seen in the colorful faces that make up my family.

Though its structure and gummy nature may have crossed my mind a few times in the past 24 years, I can’t say I found my smile to be any less beautiful.

Everyone’s insecure about something, physical and incorporeal.

From our weight to our height, and the sound of our voices to our inabilities to mingle in social settings, we have a variety of insecurities. One of my biggies was my bust size.

I’ve always been super insecure about how skinny I am, and I thought my itty bitties were a result of that.

I would get so angry when I found cute tops and dresses that would look better “if I were only a cup size larger.”

I’d stress about what guys would think when they saw I had nothing underneath my clothes.

I’d fade into the background during social events whenever I happened to wear bathing suits or low-cut articles of clothing.

I felt that my not-so-full 32Bs made me less worthy than those around me.

I’d look at my mom's and my sister’s chests and wonder why I’d been left out during the creation process. I thought that maybe if I ate more, they’d grow.

When I approached adulthood, I figured I’d be satisfied once they inflated during pregnancy.

I took pride in how my breasts would plump up around that time of month (one positive to the hell we know as menstruation!)

I would see memes refer to flat-chested women as “young men” and feel as though those who shared the photos were speaking directly to me.

I let something so little and so insignificant as bra size dictate how satisfied I was with my body.  Insecurities consume you.

They taint the perception you have of yourself and the relationship you share with others.

Sometimes, they even get in the way of building a promising future for yourself.

Our insecurities can even stop us from fulfilling our dreams.“I’ll never be able to do that, I’m too [insert personalized phrase of discouragement here] for that.”

Insecurities should be viewed as challenges to be conquered rather than threats. My boobs are too flat? Well, I’ll still rock the hell out of this outfit!

Even if others cannot see what’s really happening on the inside — those voices threatening to expose your inner demons — confidence goes a long way.

We become so consumed with everything that’s “wrong” with us that we often forget to acknowledge what’s right.

The fact you exist is a miracle in itself. Once you own everything that makes you, you, you’ll find people will gravitate toward you.

You think what you become. So, if you see yourself as beautiful, confident and capable, there’s nothing in the world that could stop that from becoming your truth. And that’s all that matters.

Surround yourself with people who accept you for who you are, inside and out.

Regard your flaws as strengths, and embrace them! I walk around naked and check myself out in the mirror.

I force myself to go out without makeup every now and then just to push myself out of my comfort zone. Insecure about your smile? Well, smile even more.

Laughing at your flaws makes them that much easier to accept.

Taking small steps is the first step to completing the journey that is self-love. If we strive to practice gratitude, acceptance and love, we will then be able to accept our imperfections.

You’ll not only improve the relationships with all those around you, but you’ll become a better you, too.

Your boobs don’t define you. Your dress size, hair texture, taste in music, skin color or social ranking don’t make you any less deserving of happiness than anyone around you.

Please don’t compare yourself to others. And, don’t let harsh comments bring you down; you are enough. And you better work.