Still the Same...

I have recently experienced a change in myself. I can look in the mirror and see a seemingly factual image: a healthy young woman.

For the longest time I thought I was overweight and ugly. But lately I've started noticing little things about myself that I like. For example, I actually think I'm pretty! I have never felt that way before.

Long story short, I have a healthy amount of self-esteem for once in my life. I am perfectly okay with everything about myself.

What I find interesting is that when I spend time with my friends that I have known for a long while, we fall back into our old pattern. I do/say something that they think is funny; they make fun of me; I feel badly about myself; I get defensive and try to hide it with a joke about them being jerks; and then they call me one of many names (blond, ditsy, stupid, etc.). I'm working on each of these situations as they come at me. I try not to react in the same way so that they will stop making those rude comments.

I am hoping to teach myself all over again. I believe that if I can accomplish this, my self-esteem will be exactly where I want to be, which is a very exciting idea.

I guess the point of this post is this: try not to fall into your old patterns once you have attained some sense of self-confidence.

As Christina Aguilera said so gracefully, "You are beautiful in every single way, no matter what they say."