What do you love now, that you hated when you were younger?

What I love now, which I hated when I was younger, is my physical appearance.

I had a huge inferiority complex about my skin tone, my pimples, my hair—everything. I literally hated the way I looked. I was so insecure about my appearance that I would hide myself. I didn’t know how to dress, how to doll myself up, or how to present myself with confidence. All of that only added to my insecurities.

But now, I know who I am.

I have learned to accept my skin tone, my hair, my weight, and even my acne. I know that my face changes according to my menstrual cycle. Some days I feel puffy and don’t quite feel like myself. But that’s okay.

Just like the moon has its phases, so do we. There is the new moon, then it slowly grows until it becomes a full moon. Life is like that too. Our bodies, our faces, and even our emotions move through different phases.

I’m not saying that I love every single thing about myself every single day. There are still evenings, after a long, exhausting day, when I look into the mirror and think, Who is this woman?

But even on those days, I can still see the soul within me.

And every time I do, I feel a deep sense of compassion for that younger girl who still lives inside me—the one who believed she wasn’t beautiful enough.

Today, I make it a point to take care of myself. I enjoy dressing up. I wear my eyeliner, my makeup, and the colours that make me feel alive and beautiful. I care for my appearance not because I am trying to hide my flaws, but because it is an act of love toward myself.

Whether I’m going to work, stepping out for a walk, or simply going to the market, I take care of myself. Not for anyone else’s approval, but because I finally believe that I deserve that care.