Oh, eyelashes, my dear old friends. We've been through a lot together, haven't we? From those awkward teenage years when I didn't know what to do with you (cue the clumpy mascara and lash curler mishaps) to the glam adult days of experimenting with falsies and extensions, it's been quite the journey. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my deep, unwavering appreciation for you, my luscious lash babes.

I remember the first time I truly realized the power of a good lash. I was 14, getting ready for my first high school dance. I had my dress picked out (a truly tragic number with entirely too many ruffles), my shoes were shined (and giving me blisters already), and my hair was sprayed within an inch of its life (thanks, Aqua Net). But something was missing. I looked in the mirror and realized my eyes didn't pop as I wanted them to. That's when my mom stepped in with her trusty tube of mascara.

"Close your eyes," she said, wielding the wand like a magic makeup fairy. I obeyed and felt the cool, wet sensation of the mascara coating my lashes. When I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. My lashes were long, dark, and lush, framing my eyes like a set of miniature feather dusters. I felt like a Hollywood starlet, ready to take on the world (or at least the high school gym).

From that moment on, I was hooked. Mascara became my desert island beauty product, the one thing I couldn't leave the house without. I experimented with different formulas and brushes, seeking out the perfect combination for maximum lash drama. I even dabbled in false lashes for special occasions, carefully gluing on individual clusters for a night of batting my way through the club.

But as I got older, I started to realize that my relationship with my lashes wasn't always a healthy one. I would scrutinize them in the mirror, comparing them to the impossibly long and thick lashes I saw in magazines and on social media. I would feel self-conscious if I didn't have time to put on mascara before running errands or going to work. I even found myself canceling plans if I was having a "bad lash day," convinced that everyone would be staring at my stubby, naked lashes in horror.

It wasn't until I started talking to other women about their lash insecurities that I realized I wasn't alone. So many of us had bought into the idea that our natural lashes weren't good enough and that we needed to enhance and alter them to constantly feel beautiful and confident.

But here's the thing: that's a load of BS. Our lashes are perfect exactly as they are in all their natural glory. They're not just there to look pretty - they serve an important biological function, protecting our eyes from sweat, moisture, and foreign particles. They're a vital part of our body's defense system, and that's pretty darn amazing if you ask me.

Of course, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with wanting to enhance your lashes for fun or special occasions. I still love experimenting with different mascaras and false lashes, and I've even considered getting lash extensions for a more permanent boost. But I've learned to approach these choices from a place of playfulness and self-expression rather than a place of shame or insecurity.

I think back to that first high school dance when I felt like mascara was the key to my confidence and worth. Now, I know that my value comes from within, not from the state of my lashes. I am beautiful, worthy, and deserving of love and respect, whether I'm rocking a complete glam look or a bare face.

That's not to say I don't still have my moments of lash, envy, or insecurity. Just the other day, I caught myself staring longingly at a coworker's lush, fluttery lashes, wondering what magic mascara she was using. But instead of spiraling into a pit of self-doubt, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that her lashes had nothing to do with me or my worth.

I also thought about all the times my lashes have been there for me through thick and thin (literally). Like the time I got caught in a rainstorm on my way to a job interview, and my trusty waterproof mascara held up like a champ even as the rest of my face melted away. Or the time I had an ugly crying sesh with my best friend after a particularly brutal breakup, and my lashes soaked up all the tears without smudging or flaking.

In those moments, I realized that my lashes are more than just an accessory - they're a part of me, a reflection of my strength and resilience. They've been with me through all of life's ups and downs, and they'll continue to be there, no matter what.

So, to all my fellow lash lovers out there, I say this: embrace your natural lashes in all their unique and beautiful glory. Don't let anyone (including that pesky voice in your own head) tell you that they're not good enough. You are a masterpiece, and every part of you (including those gorgeous fluttery fringe) is a work of art.

And if you do choose to enhance your lashes with mascara, falsies, or extensions, do it from a place of joy and self-love, not from a place of self-doubt or insecurity. Remember that your worth is not determined by the length or thickness of your lashes but by the unshakable beauty and strength within.

I know it's not always easy to accept ourselves fully, lashes and all. Trust me, I've spent more hours than I care to admit staring in the mirror, wishing for longer, thicker, more dramatic lashes. But at the end of the day, life is too short to waste time worrying about our perceived imperfections.

So, let's make a pact, you and me. Let's vow to love and appreciate our lashes just as they are. Let's bat them with pride, whether they're coated in mascara or bare and beautiful. Let's use them to wink at cute strangers, to flutter flirtatiously, to roll dramatically when our partner says something ridiculous.

Most importantly, let's remember that our lashes are just one small part of the incredible, complex, and utterly unique beings that we are. They do not define us, and they certainly don't determine our worth.

We are so much more than our lashes or any other physical feature, for that matter. We are smart, funny, kind, ambitious, and endlessly fascinating creatures, each with our own stories, dreams, and passions. Our lashes are just along for the ride, framing our eyes as we take in the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

So, the next time you find yourself fixating on your lashes (or any other perceived flaw), take a step back and remind yourself of your inherent awesomeness. You are a badass, lash boss, and don't you forget it.

And if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, give them a good, hard lash flutter and keep on strutting. Because at the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is your own. And in my opinion, you (and your lashes) are pretty frickin' fabulous, just as you are.

Lash love and self-love today, tomorrow, and always. Keep on fluttering, my friends.

By Sypharany.