There was this time in my life when I was really bothered about what people would say. They would call me ugly because I had no friends thereby calling me “vampire teeth” because my teeth looked different.
Actually, I gave them room for it, but sometimes, I would cry and ask God, “Why me?” I know I wasn't the brightest but why would they call me the dumbest girl.
Their words destroyed my confidence,for real I didn't even recognise myself in it again
Eventually, I started believing them, i'd tell myself, “Clearly, I can’t fit in, that i'm not enough nor beautiful. I don’t know anything, i can’t speak, and I have no potential.”
That was what low self-esteem did to me, I became invisible, I could look into the mirror and convince myself that I was ugly. My thoughts became increasingly negative, and I stopped trying new things because I was already convinced I would fail.
Then I got admitted into the tertiary institution
On my very first day on campus, I told myself, “Okay, I have changed my environment, let's try changing my mindset too.”
Something began to shift
I was nominated and eventually elected as my department class representative. For over four years i school, I could speak, stand an election and win, appointed for different positions because I worked with people who believed in me and who helped me conquer my low self-esteem.
Now, when I look at this picture, I see how far I have come
I see a confident woman, I see beauty, I definitely see someone who is more than enough.
I see a woman who will speak to nations, whose work will matter, and whose influence will reach people, yes I see her
If you tell me I’m beautiful and I'm smart, I’ll say, “Na my Creator run am. My Creator get eye”
And if you tell me I have vampire teeth? I’ll say, “Are you a vampire too?” 😂 or i'd say my teeth make me different and special.
I have learned that nobody has the right to define my worth with their words, as well as it applies to you.
Don’t allow someone’s opinion to become your identity, don't even permit it
Work on yourself, speak positively about yourself.
Distance yourself from people who constantly tear you down.
Today, this picture represents more than beauty to me, it is a representation of my journey from low self-esteem to knowing that I am valuable.
