Being a girl is hard. There is no denying that. We live in a society where we are expected to behave in certain ways and look, well quite frankly, perfect. I have been taken in by this imaginary rulebook many a time and it has led to me feeling isolated and wrongly unique. It is a world where they say being unique is the best thing to be yet we all still try our hardest to fit in.

The modern world has brought many new challenges, none more challenging than social media. Apps like Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter were created to bring us closer to our friends. This new type of socialising has its positives but many toxic negatives. Girls can be notoriously mean to one another in real life but these apps make it even easier to send hurtful messages. You may find yourself comparing yourself to others wondering why you can’t look that way, why you never seem to be able impress others like she can or have as many friends, virtual friends that is.

So you’re now wondering what I am going to be able to tell you to make your life magically better. Unfortunately I do not have the power to do that. It is in your hands to help yourself. What I will offer you is advice for you to help yourself.

Take a break from social media.

Now this one is a lot easier said than done. It is challenging to walk away from your devices when you feel you’re going to miss out on things but you have to. If someone is upsetting you, you must walk away and do something you enjoy. Ask your friends if they want to come over. Try your best to surround yourself with positive people who make you happy.

Learn to love yourself

Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful because you are. If you start believing it then others will too. Point out things you love about yourself. Put on your favourite clothes, not because you are going out somewhere but because they make you feel amazing. If you become more positive you will find that people naturally gravitate towards you.

Smile for no reason

This one sounds ridiculous but I assure you it is very effective. Not only will you find it brightens your mood but it lifts other peoples too. Smiles are contagious.

Don’t be afraid to break out of societies ‘norm’

You don’t need to be like everybody else. Love yourself the way you are and do the things you enjoy doing. You get one chance on this world, so live it as you wish. People will judge and make comments, because there will always be a form of negativity in the world, but you must stay resilient in what you enjoy. If you try to fit in, you will always question what could have been.

Learn that not everything is as it seems

People may look like they live the best lives but the truth is that everybody has their own insecurities and worries. It is completely normal and just a part of being, well, human. Even the most popular people can be the loneliest. If you start realising that others go through these emotions it will help you to feel less isolated. Nobody is conventionally perfect but everyone can be perfect to someone.

I know that I cannot not solve all of your problems in this short article but I do hope this inspires you to love yourself that little bit more. Life is challenging and there will be many times that you feel lost but you have to pick yourself up, smile a little more and try your best to let go of that negativity holding you back.

Sometimes there is no way around certain problems but you must keep going and remember that you can control your happiness to an extent, it may only be to a small extent but that is why you must take it at every opportunity.