Just the Way You Are

Music can elevate our minds to infinite levels.  Sometimes we listen to songs to pick us when we're down.  Athletes listen to music to "get crunk" and to get pumped up before games.  Sometimes we listen to music that somehow seems to fit perfectly with the mood we're currently in.  The first time I heard Bruno Mars singing "Just the Way You Are" on my Pandora, I definitely had a moment.  It wasn't so much the fact that he's singing to a girl, telling her that she's amazing.  Rather, I fell in love with the song's message:  You're amazing, just the way you are.  Simply put.  This can be directed to any and everyone.

The general principle of self-value is one that I most certainly live by.  I believe that you have to know you're wonderful just by being your plain ol', regular you.  You were created the way you are for a reason, and you should never have to change to meet anyone else's criteria.  Acquaintances, friends, and significant others will cycle in and out of your life as you grow older and gain life experience.  You can't always rely on people to pick you up when you're down.  So you have to know that you're unique and unlike anyone else in the world.  Sure, it seems like a simple principle, but so many of us need to hear this.

This is so important to me because adapting this trait creates an instant spirit of optimism. Once you know you love yourself and accept yourself, without a doubt, then your friendships and relationships will flourish; for you're no longer relying on someone to make you believe you're amazing.  The beauty of it is, you'll already know, and hearing them tell you will only compliment this.

-Brittani Hunter