Don't compare the various insecurities you feel inside to the confidence you see in other peoples outsides.

I have been thinking a lot about insecurities and how they can leave you feeling "less" than everyone else in such a debilitating way. Insecurity often drives us to not try new things for fear of rejection, to always blame ourselves in failed relationships, to play a tape in our head of how we aren't pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, fit enough, good enough.

It's taken me so many years - too many in fact - not to let jealousy, self body image and the fashion and media worlds view of what beauty should be, to understand the impact it has had on me. People think because you are a public figure you can't possibly have insecurities. So not true. In fact my insecurities drive me to push myself harder because I never feel I measure up. And in that way they have also been a good thing I suppose. However at this age and stage I am tired of worrying about comparing myself to anyone else physically. I am okay right now being a bit overweight. Being 58. Having wrinkles. Not always succeeding. I know where I need to improve. And I will seek to improve on those areas that I decide I need to. Because they matter to me not because someone else has set an imaginary bar that I can't possibly reach.

Here's the sum of it for me. Don't compare the various insecurities you feel inside to the confidence you see in other peoples outsides. You never know what they are going through. We can all masquerade for a short while and when we have to. We only achieve true happiness when we allow some of our insecurities to show, and not let them make us feel "less" than others.

To all the young people out there be good to yourself. There is but one persons whose measure of you matters. Yours. You are beautiful just the way you are - Arlene Dickinson

Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. 

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colors seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.

Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.

— written by Bob Marley