I </3 my body….

I love my body. 

That’s right I said it...

but it hasn’t always been that way. 

It’s taken me awhile to build up the courage to post this. Up until recently I’ve avoided showing the left side of my body or my left leg at all costs, to the point of premeditating every move and every angle to make sure I wouldn’t be put in a “vulnerable”position. I cried when I realized I couldn’t wear heels to formal occasions, and finding comfortable shoes is still a nightmare. I would avoid wearing shorts or skirts and even would wrap my leg in the hot summer to cover my scars because I didn’t want to bring any attention to what I knew would cause stares or questions. When you grow up being “different” all you want is to fit in. 

I realize now that I was really only trying to protect my vulnerability because of my own insecurities. It really hasn’t been about anyone else, but looking into myself. I’ve realized how brilliant and amazing our bodies are. 

Now, I have a sense of gratitude for my body, that I’ve pushed so hard and has always shown strength and resilience. I am grateful and fascinated that it intuitively beats my heart, and fills my lungs with air; defends me from illness and heals every cell without ever asking. I will never take my body for granted - as it is in its current form and all it will go through for the rest of my life. This body has had to learn to walk over 8 times. This body keeps me alive; and this body will hopefully one day (god willing) grow my babies, and give new life. It’s just incredible.

Today, face and body tuning filters are all the rage, and have morphed everyone into looking exactly the same. Big lips, thin noses, high cheek bones, arched eyebrows, tiny waist, big bust and a KK ass. I’m down for a pre-set (@tezzaapp is my fave), but imagine if I airbrushed these scars off my leg in every photo? How inauthentic it would be? How much history and character that would erase from what makes me, me? 

Airbrushing our bodies to be perfect not only mentally affects the way we perceive ourselves and shape our insecurities but it truly takes away from what makes us unique. There is no one like you out there and the world needs diversity. The world needs you, exactly as you are. If you’re offended by someone’s looks, disabilities, scars or sexual identity - I’m offended by you. 

So a lesson to every kid: Different is beautiful. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about what makes you unique, or having scars. Your scars prove that you’re stronger than what tried to hurt you; and never take your body for granted because as of yet, you are reading this, alive and well, and it has never let you down. Celebrate it.