Love yourself

They say to love yourself first in order to find someone who loves you.
But how can I love myself when all I see in the mirror is all the horrendous things I've been called.
All the insults that have been thrown at me.
All the despair I've faced in life.
Somehow looking into your blue eyes, I saw my reflection and did not flinch at the sight.
I learned to love every imperfection about myself as if they weren't flaws.
I learned to be comfortable in my skin and not wish for a change.
They warned me this was unhealthy.
To not let "some guy" influence my self-confidence. 
I should build myself up and not need any help in the matter.
And yet somehow here I am, a year later, still actively loving myself, even though you don't anymore.
I guess I'll always have you to thank for that, but myself to love. 

​​​​​​