Leighton Meester is lifting the lid on the personal struggles she’s faced. The actress used to judge herself in the past while she consciously put effort into self-love, however, she’s turned a new page since. The actress recalled: “There was a long time where I was like, this is kind of embarrassing to say and feel, and really put weight onto,” per People. © Getty ImagesLeighton opened up about her struggles The Gossip Girl actress expressed: “I was like, ‘No, just power through and say the words I love myself’ over and over and over, and love the deepest parts of yourself. I do think that practicing it even before you believe it is how I have felt that I’ve brought it into true practice.” Practice makes perfect as they say, and Leighton eventually found herself gaining confidence. The entertainer added: “It’s good, because then you really go, ‘Actually, this isn’t so hard.’” © WireImageShe went on a self-love journey She also tossed to the side her use of self-deprecation as comedy. Leighton shared: “I think that …