I’ve stared at my reflection in the mirror countless times, scrutinizing every line, every flaw, and every imperfection. “Why am I ugly?” The question echoes in my mind, a haunting whisper that refuses to be silenced. In a world obsessed with beauty, where flawless faces and perfect bodies dominate our screens, it’s hard not to feel inadequate, to feel like we don’t measure up.

From a young age, we’re bombarded with images of what society deems beautiful. Magazine covers, TV shows, social media—all showcasing people with impossibly perfect features. It’s easy to start comparing ourselves to these unattainable standards, to see our worth solely through the lens of physical appearance. But this toxic culture breeds self-doubt and insecurity, leaving us feeling less than, feeling ugly.

But what does it really mean to be ugly? Is it the shape of our nose, the texture of our skin, the way our body curves (or doesn’t)? Or is it something deeper, a reflection of our own self-worth and the value we place on ourselves? The truth is, beauty is subjective. What one person finds beautiful, another might overlook. And yet, we are our harshest critics, often seeing ourselves in the worst possible light.

I’ve spent years trying to conform to societal standards of beauty. I’ve tried diets, makeup, new hairstyles, and trendy clothes, all in a desperate bid to feel beautiful, to feel accepted. But no matter what I did, that nagging voice remained, telling me I wasn’t enough. It took a long time to realize that the problem wasn’t with my appearance, but with the way I perceived myself.

We live in a world that profits from our insecurities. The beauty industry thrives on making us feel inadequate, convincing us that we need their products to be beautiful. But true beauty isn’t something you can buy. It isn’t found in the pages of a magazine or in the latest Instagram filter. True beauty comes from within. It’s in our kindness, our resilience, our strength, and our compassion. It’s in the way we treat others and ourselves.

I’m learning to embrace my so-called flaws, to see them as unique features that make me who I am. The lines on my face tell a story of laughter and tears, of experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. My body, no matter its shape or size, carries me through life, allowing me to experience the world in all its wonder. I’m learning to be grateful for these things, to see beauty in the imperfections.

It’s not an easy journey. There are still days when I struggle, when that familiar voice whispers in my ear, reminding me of my insecurities. But I’m learning to silence it, to replace it with words of self-love and acceptance. I’m learning to surround myself with people who see my true beauty, who lift me up rather than tear me down.

To anyone else struggling with the question, “Why am I ugly?”—know that you are not alone. Know that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all standard. You are beautiful in your own unique way, with your own story to tell. Embrace your flaws, for they are part of what makes you who you are. Be kind to yourself, for you are worthy of love and acceptance.

In a world that constantly tries to tell us we’re not enough, let’s choose to believe that we are. Let’s redefine beauty on our own terms, and see the light that shines within us. Because true beauty is not about perfection. It’s about being authentically, unapologetically ourselves.

And you ,Tell me when did you feel ugly and, why?

-Yours truly with love,

H.F