Perspective
One of the most important things in life is perception. There is a litany of things that can help one battle mental illness. Something we can do on a daily basis is to make sure we are using positive thinking to our advantage. Seeing ourselves clearly even when it doesn’t come naturally.
Just because you don’t like the way you see yourself doesn’t mean you aren’t incredible. Ever try to take a picture of the moon? It’s absolutely gorgeous. But your pictures of it, if you don’t have the right equipment to capture it, look like shit, don’t they? Now compare your phone recording of your favorite band in concert and their polished, properly recorded CD. Remember that you are too great for the world to accurately capture your awesomeness.
Your worth is not dependent on someone’s acknowledgement of it. Remember this: Trees produce oxygen. The sun is hot. The earth is round. I can tell you these things aren’t true. I can argue convincing points. I can refuse to believe you when you tell me I’m wrong until you’re blue in the face. My recognition of these facts does not make them any less true.
Someone will acknowledge the indisputable fact that you are worthy and beautiful. Don’t reject their praise because you are unused to it. Someone may prefer the look of wildflowers. That doesn’t make paintings any less beautiful. A single person might not like a crystal chandelier and instead like twinkle lights. Someone will come along and tell you that you are the finest and most glittering crystal they have ever seen. Don’t call them a liar, but also don’t feel indebted to them for feeling that way. This has always been a fact of your existence. They were just able to see it.
You are more than the sum of your parts. You don’t like your love handles? Not fond of the nasally tone you think your voice has? Think you’re too shy? Think of it this way: Flour tastes nasty and chalky on it own, baking powder alone is disgusting, and eating salt by itself is pointless. But each of these is required to bake a delicious cake.
Don’t forget to look at yourself the right way.