Sometimes we don’t like what we see in the mirror. Our body looks strange, or our nose is a funny shape. Being comfortable with how you look is not easy. Accepting yourself can take time and effort.

To be comfortable with your looks, you need to start by asking yourself some important questions.

Look at yourself in the mirror, think about how you see yourself. What kind of thoughts come to mind? Are these thoughts negative, or are they positive? Are there parts of you that you like or don’t like? Write them down.

Next ask yourself: where did these thoughts come from? Why do you see yourself this way? Did your brother tell you your nose is too big? Did a friend make you feel short?

Whatever it is, think about it. Try and figure out when these thoughts first started.

Next, ask someone you trust how they think you look. Could be a friend, or family. Just make sure you feel comfortable with this person. Ask them about things that you don't like yourself.

Compare what they say about you to what you think about yourself. Do they see you differently? What do they like about you? Write their thoughts down.

No matter what they say, it’s important to remember this:

1. There is no ‘perfect’ body: everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, and it’s this ‘difference’ that makes people special and unique. Some people might look perfect, but most of us don’t. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true.

2. Health comes before beauty. Make sure you’re taking care of your body. Eat well, sleep well, walk your dog.

3. Be kind to yourself. Watch what you are telling yourself. Constantly criticising how you look and being hard on yourself is not going to help. Treat yourself like you would a best friend - with care and understanding.

How we understand and view ourselves changes. You will grow and change. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Make sure you’re surrounded by people who build you up, not break you down.