Quote Of The Day By Shay Mitchell: 'It's Tough Being A Girl. I Think We Need All Of The...'

As a star on one of the 2010s' biggest television shows, Shay Mitchell established herself as a young actor to keep an eye on. Mitchell is best known for her portrayal of Emily Fields on the hit drama series "Pretty Little Liars," which aired on ABC Family (now Freeform) from 2010 to 2017. Before she got her big break on "Pretty Little Liars," Mitchell was a Canadian entertainment hopeful. After moving to West Vancouver, British Columbia at age 10, Mitchell was signed by an international modeling agency. She continued to model around the world throughout her teenage years before returning to Canada to study acting. 

Mitchell began appearing in commercials, booked minor guest roles in shows like "Degrassi: The Next Generation," "Glee," and "Rookie Blue," and starred in several music videos. In 2010, she got the big break she'd been looking for: "Pretty Little Liars." During and after the series' seven-season run, Mitchell expanded her career, becoming a spokesperson for several clothing and beauty brands, starting her own YouTube channel, and even co-authoring a Young Adult book in 2015. Since the end of "Pretty Little Liars," Mitchell has continued acting. She's starred in the first season of hit TV drama "You," comedy series "Dollface," and voice acted for a few series including "Velma" and "Trese." Mitchell is also an entrepreneur, having founded the very successful luxury luggage brand BÉIS. Mitchell's expansive resume, combined with her years of experience navigating the spotlight, makes her the perfect candidate for today's quote of the day. 

During a 2012 interview with Seventeen, Shay Mitchell opened up about her journey to self-acceptance. "Growing up, I wish I hadn't tried so hard to fit in. I'd tell myself to just embrace what you were born with because it's beautiful and you were made like that for a reason. It's tough being a girl. I think we need all of the support we can get," Mitchell said. Mitchell's words ring true for many; while adolescence is challenging for everyone, it can be a particularly difficult period of time for young girls. 

Shay Mitchell spent her teenage and early adult years in the spotlight. As such, the actor understands the challenges of growing up from both a normal perspective and that of a rising celeb. During her 2012 interview with Seventeen, Mitchell explained what she would have told her younger self. Instead of trying to fit in with the others, Mitchell would have told herself to embrace her differences and provide the support that we all need at that age. 

While none of us can go back in time to comfort our younger selves, we can utilize Mitchell's advice today. Insecurity and self-doubt don't necessarily go away with age, so remind yourself that everyone is different — and that's a good thing. Nobody should compare themselves with others, especially in today's social media-first landscape. Understand that supporting and uplifting yourself (and those around you) is pivotal to navigating the world today and to building a healthy, meaningful life. As Mitchell pointed out, this support is especially important for women and girls, who are scrutinized from a younger age than most. 

• "I realized that bullying never has to do with you. It's the bully who's insecure."
• "We all have to find beauty within us, as opposed to just our exterior."
• "I'm reading a lot of different books, but I always think I have to switch it up a little bit. It's like food — everything in moderation, same with my books, same with my reading. You read books that are good for you and you learn a lot of stuff, then you read 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' which is like candy."
• "Take that one thing you don't like about yourself and more often than not that's the one thing that makes you more special. Whether it's that gap in your teeth, or that mole you never liked, or your skin color."
• "If you can make me laugh, my heart is yours! I think there's nothing more attractive than someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously."