By Heather Benoit 
Honey, you must love yourself.
This is for you—the one who is picking herself apart. The jiggle in your belly, the cellulite in your things, the wrinkles on your face, or the flab in your arms will not and never will define your worth.
A mirror is not meant for you to stand in front of to pick yourself apart and talk yourself down. Those negative thoughts end today.
What do you love about yourself? What makes you feel beautiful? What is something unique about yourself?
Everyone has imperfections, and we all wish for something someone else may have or possess. Did you ever think that someone out there is wishing to be more like you? To have your confidence, to have your smile, to have your dimples, to have your positive attitude, to have your work ethic, to have your heart.
Never let your body control your image of your self-worth. Love yourself and love yourself hard.
So what if you do not fit in the same clothes you did when you first got married? So what if you have rolls when you wear that crop top? So what if your arms jiggle when you wear a sleeveless shirt? You should be comfortable in your own skin and not let anyone take that away from you.
I have been her—the one who picks herself apart and focuses on her physical appearance. The one who stares at her body—one she didn’t recognize as she hadn’t seen it before.
My body may not have a tight stomach, but it does have stretch marks and scars of love. My body has birthed beautiful babies and has been through life. My body has overcome trauma.
My body has run half marathons. My body has lifted heavy weights. My body has played with my children and kept up with them.
My body has been through so much sadness, yet so much joy. My body has given hope to others. My body has created life. My body has performed miracles.
Each day, challenge yourself to speak one positive voice to your reflection. Everyone has imperfections, and you honey, you must love yourself, always.
You didn’t get to get that workout today, honey, you must love yourself. You had a slice of cake and enjoyed it, honey, you must love yourself. You crushed a goal you had set, honey, you must love yourself. You slept in after a long work week, honey, you must love yourself. You did something for yourself that made you feel happy, honey, you must love yourself.
You are more than a mother. You are more than someone’s employee. You are more than a wife. You are more than a sister. You are more than a friend. You are you and there is no one else as beautiful as you are. Look at that mirror and smile, honey, and always remember, you must love yourself.
by Krystal Sieben 
