Reader,
In a world where far too many people are challenged with media images that make them feel less than ordinary, I challenge us all to be extraordinary. And the only way to do that is by being happy with ourselves.
I am 18 years old. I am in college. I have a small group of friends, a crazy dysfunctional family, and a life that is by far worth living. I have never struggled with body image, because I was raised to be confident. I know I am fortunate in that.
I have had friends and family members with eating disorders. I've known people that have starved themselves, and people that were just too overweight. Loving people with these issues is hard--not because THEY are hard to love, but because there is nothing you can do to stop them from feeling that way. And you don't want people you love to feel that way, ever.
My theory is that there has to be some way to break this chain of misery, to inspire people to see their inner beauty instead of focusing mainly on how they look. But these thoughts aren't born from logic, and that's why reason doesn't appeal.
If I had my way, I'd fire every super model and put clothing on regular people. That's worth taking pictures of, because no one person is the same as another. We are ALL beautiful.
I found this site because I want to lose 10 pounds. It isn't for health reasons, and I'm not unhappy with how I look. But it's a goal I've come up with for my own reasons, and that's how it should be. In the mean time, I'd like to encourage others who have inspired me to push on and achieve this.
I don't think I'm in a place to offer any advice, so I won't. But I would like to tell whoever is reading this that you, yes, YOU, are beautiful. And don't ever let anyone else tell you otherwise.
It may not seem that comforting, coming from a perfect stranger. But I happen to think things like that are always nice to hear.
So, if you're reading this, I wish you all the luck in the world on whatever your goals are. I hope you know how great you are for simply being you, and no one else. I pray that you find peace with yourself and can live the fullest life--a life of someone who truly appreciates exactly that, they are alive.
The best thing about life is that we get to be exactly who we are, and no one can ever take that away from us. Fat, skinny, short, tall, loud, shy, funny, not funny, WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL, BECAUSE WE ARE US.
Have a wonderful day, and a life worth living.
Love always,
A perfect stranger.
