27/05/2024
When I was younger, I was shamed for everything. I was told I was dramatic, too sensitive , obnoxious, loud, weird, and plenty of other “negative” things. I use to look in the mirror and hate what I saw. There were a million things I wanted to change, but as I got older I realized that I never really wanted to change anything. I didn’t hate myself, I hated the person they were forcing me to be. I hated constantly being shamed for who I was and made fun of for the characteristics I proudly wore. I’m not dramatic, I’m passionate. I’m not too sensitive, I just don’t avoid my feelings. I’m not obnoxious, the people around me just weren’t interested in what I was. I’m not loud, they just didn’t like what I was saying. I am weird, but that’s a badge I wear proudly because it proves I’ve never conformed, despite the abuse I endured because of it. When we change the way we view what people say about us and discredit those statements, it changes the way we view ourselves. We can break free from the insecurities that were created by other people. We can define ourselves. We can change the way the world tries to force those who don’t fit the mold to betray themselves. Instead of changing who we are to fit in and avoid rejection, we can change who we are around, and instead have people in our lives who are accepting of us and don’t try to shame us for who we are and we can also build a better future for those of us that aren’t “normal”.
I am proud of the woman I see in the mirror now. She is bold. She is beautiful. She is fierce. She is smart. She is ambitious. She is authentic. She has been through hell, but despite it all she is still herself. She is me.
(This is a repost of a piece I wrote awhile back that a few people encouraged me to repost.)
