We all are very well known for the fact that mental health and well-being depend on Self-Love and compassion. Everyone needs Compassion and Self-Love, often times we find ourselves being too hard on ourselves, and we become the victim of self-criticism, we strive for perfectionism which is easy to fall for but can be proved very harmful to us.

Self-Care can help you set better, healthier, and more authentic goals. It provides physical, mental, and emotional well-being, helps you understand self-confidence and self-worth, and provides a more positive feeling and a way to approach the world.

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We asked Viplav, an international student to share his experience and journey of Self -Acceptance with Re-defined. So it can reach a wider audience and we all can take inspiration from his story.

Viplav shared his experience of being Gay in a South Asian Community, the struggles, the stereotypes, and the social norms he faced and challenged and is challenging even to this day. He opened up to us and told us -" Having grown up in a culture where we were only introduced to two genders-men and women, and where it was emphasized that everyone was attracted to the other gender. I was confused about who I was, it was evident that I had a more feminine side to me, like playing with barbies, dressing up, not liking sports, etc. Thus I did not fit into a stereotypical ' boy/male gender. A result of this was also me being bullied at school and being called names countless times growing up for the way I carried myself until I realized who I was and that my attraction was to someone of the same sex as me.

And a big part of this process was the idea of social approval. Initially, a part of me always wanted others to accept me for who I was and not let cultural conventions limit me, but as time went on, I came to the realization that no one would ever be completely at ease with my identity. Even today, when I ride the bus or stroll through Vancouver's streets, I receive taunts or unwanted attention.

However, soon I came to terms with who I was, I was confident in myself, and my identity. There is a sense of power that I seek from my confidence and behavior. Social standards that you feel you are breaking will always exist, but it doesn't matter and it shouldn't. Knowing your worth and maintaining a confident attitude are key since you deserve to do so and nobody has the right to criticize you for it.

So be confident in who you are and find ways in which you can empower yourself and express yourself. Because self-expression is a personal/contextual process.

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