Got confidence?

When you look at the mirror, what do you see? If someone asked me this a year ago, the first thing I’d say would probably be the big pimple on the tip of my nose, or the silly sunspots that I have on my cheeks. My insecure mind would list every feature I could notice within the first minute of staring at myself at the mirror.

The sad thing is, I know I’m not the only person in the world who does the same thing. Men and women feel insecure about themselves every day.

The media plays a key role in these insecurities by giving several misconceptions of what beauty is. Many are led to believe that one is only beautiful or handsome if he or she is gorgeous, tall, and in great shape. Yet, anyone can wear as much makeup or bulk up as many muscles as he or she wants, and still be unsatisfied with themselves.

Several magazines in stores today use Photoshop to enhance the features of the  models on the front cover. Seventeen, a popular magazine amongst middle to high school age girls, has advice columns for readers about confidence. And yet, their photos are still edited to hide imperfections, which contradict the overall message in the stories Seventeen publishes about being comfortable in your own skin.

The truth of the matter is that while physical appearance is one thing, all that makeup, muscles, and good looks conceal personality and heart, which are more important things.

We all hear that it is important to stay true to ourselves, but many of us still find ourselves struggling. High school is the toughest place to start, since we are still trying to find a place of security, a place where we belong.

Every day, I see people complaining about how they look and what they want to become. Although I used to be one of those people, I came to the general conclusion that I should never try to impress anyone or try to be anyone but myself.

Life is too short to worry about what others think. Judgments and ignorance are always going to be around, but the only person who can let those hindrances damage your own confidence is yourself.

So the next time you look at that mirror, instead of stressing over a pimple or sunspots, give yourself a smile. Always remember to be open minded, bold, happy, and most of all, fearless.