Learning to love yourself amid a sea of critical media messages and other societal pressures can be difficult. Starting the journey of self acceptance now will benefit you immediately and help brighten your future.

• Celebrate strengths instead of focusing on perceived flaws.
• Try to notice one personal strength every day.
• Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Set physical and mental boundaries to protect yourself from others’ negativity.
• Forgive yourself for past mistakes or bad behavior, and move on. Focus on the future.
• Recognize your own humanity. You cannot be perfect all the time but you can try your best 100% of the time.
• Be kind to yourself. Self care is not selfish.