I want to share with you a personal experience that has greatly impacted my life and has taught me a valuable lesson. I have always struggled with my self-esteem, especially during my teenage years. The constant battle with my skin condition, skin asthma, had left me feeling insecure and conscious about myself. I remember envying other teenagers who could confidently wear shorts and skirts without worrying about their appearance. I longed to express myself through fashion, but my skin condition held me back. As a result, I isolated myself from the crowd and spent most of my time alone. During these alone moments, I found myself talking out loud to myself and crying. It may seem strange to some, but for me, it was therapeutic. It was during these self-conversations that I found my inner strength and resilience. I have always considered myself as my own best friend, but it wasn’t until then that I truly understood the meaning behind it. Talking to myself allowed me to release all my pent-up emotions and feelings. It was a way for me to acknowledge and confront my insecurities, fears, and doubts. And every time I did so, I felt a sense of relief and clarity. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. But it wasn’t just about venting out my problems; it was also about finding solutions. As I talked through my issues with myself, I could come up with different perspectives and ideas on how to handle them. It helped me think more clearly and find ways to overcome the challenges I faced. And the best part? My inner self never judged me or criticized me for my flaws or mistakes. It was always there for me, providing comfort and understanding. It made me realize that sometimes, we need to be our own best friend before we can truly be a good friend to others. In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by people, whether in person or through social media. We tend to seek validation and acceptance from others, forgetting to give ourselves the love and care we deserve. We often rely on others to make us feel good about ourselves, but what happens when they are not around? That’s where the importance of self-talk comes in. Talking to yourself is not a sign of madness or loneliness, as some may perceive it to be. It is an essential tool for self-reflection and self-discovery. It allows us to understand ourselves better and work on our weaknesses while also appreciating our strengths. I encourage you to take some time for yourself every day and have a conversation with your inner self. Talk about your day, your thoughts, your fears, and your dreams. Acknowledge and accept your imperfections and celebrate your achievements. Love yourself as your own best friend. And when you face challenges and struggles in life, remember that you have a strong and resilient friend within you who will always be there to listen and guide you through them. I want to leave you with this quote by the famous poet Rupi Kaur: “You are your own soulmate. You complete you.” So, talk to yourself, listen to yourself, and love yourself. Trust me; it will make all the difference in your life.