This life can drain the happiness right out of you. With mini-disasters striking left and right, is it any wonder you might begin to think bad things about yourself? Everywhere you look, there is someone pointing out what is wrong with you. Nothing is the way it was supposed to be, and people are eager to let you know how you have disappointed them.

Slowly it gets to you, and you wither inside thinking bad thoughts about yourself. You come to think that if everyone is saying that you are a failure, it must true, right? Feeling this way can make you cringe when you look into the mirror and this self-dread can cast a shadow onto everything in your life. What happens is that after a while, you begin to hear that criticism from yourself. You adopt it as your own. This little voice inside haunts you, telling you that you are not good enough, that you are a failure. The more people who pile on you, the worse you feel. You feel like there is something wrong with you and may even find yourself apologizing for not being good enough.

Though you may not consider such thoughts to be harmful, thinking so little of yourself can do a lot of damage. No matter how many people tell you that you don’t measure up, don’t let that colour how you see yourself. If you make mistakes, then you make mistakes. That does not mean that you are anything less than wonderful. You are not a failure. Tough experiences (not failures) have taught you valuable lessons.

If you stay in the negativity and let it define you, then you have been defined by something other than you. You need to define you. This is the only way you will find happiness. Define the true you and don’t let anyone treat you in a way that makes you feel worthless. Think of all the good things that you have done, and let those good thoughts fill your heart.

Remember that you are a beautiful person who deserves better than being called a failure. YOU DESERVE BETTER. Remember that. All you need is a little reminder that you are someone that matters. Never apologize for not being good enough because you are a person with value who deserves happiness. Don't let others abuse you, and don't abuse yourself. Let your spirit soar to great heights knowing that you are just fine. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE and never will be. YOU ARE WONDERFUL. 

Compiled by Ashley Mwanza with borrowed text.