It's not every day you get to see your favorite celebrities before your eyes on stage or walking the same streets as you. I had the privilege of seeing one of my favorite actresses, Chrissy Metz, this past Sunday, March 25. Thanks to Rider for providing me with this opportunity, I was just a few rows from that very stage where Chrissy sat before my eyes.

The purpose of this opportunity was to join Chrissy on her kick-off book tour promoting her new book, "This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today." She was asked difficult questions regarding her childhood, her struggle to find work in the acting business, landing roles in various shows, filming "This Is Us," and how she learned to love herself along the way.

Chrissy inspires me and here's why:

1. She had a rough childhood but still manages to remain positive

Chrissy grew up in a large family that was always on the move. She grew up in Homestead, Florida when her biological father took off, later forcing her mother to work several jobs as her children faced the fear of hunger and the utilities being turned off. Chrissy yearned for a normal life. Her mother remarried, however, Chrissy's stepdad abused her, adding to the mental pain she faced all throughout her childhood.

Despite these hardships, Chrissy continued to pursue her dream of acting, while she herself worked as a Talent Agent sending people on auditions. Years later she landed the role as Kate on "This Is Us," one of the most watched new television dramas of the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons. Since her two seasons on the show, Chrissy has captured the hearts of so many fans through her authentic and relatable personality. During the book tour, she explained how she is an optimist and always looks for the good in situations.

2. Chrissy and her "This Is Us" character, Kate Pearson, share many similarities and have some differences.

"One thing me and Kate have in common is, of course, our appearance." Despite the physical attributes Kate and Chrissy share, there are some

contrasts. Kate is portrayed as someone who is shy, who takes time to open up and let her guard down. As for Chrissy, she is extremely extroverted and very personable. In addition to personality, Chrissy mentioned her different lifestyle growing up compared to Kate's. Chrissy, as mentioned, had a difficult childhood through her various moves from state to state, country to country, along with a non-existent father. On the other hand, Kate was blessed with a beautiful home where she was raised by loving parents, particularly a father who loved and supported her unconditionally.

3. "If you can't love who you are now, you can't get to the place you want to be."

Sure our moms give us this pep talk every time we are down, and while it does help to hear, being told by someone else, particularly a celebrity, helps even more and changes your perspective on things. This I believe is to be a profound quote. We focus so much on how others perceive and love us that we lose ourselves and self-love through the process.

4. She has just as many flaws as us.

Chrissy pointed out in the beginning that she is just like all of us, human. She admitted to making mistakes and having those "off" days where you don't feel like yourself. On her off days, she would turn to food as her outlet to escape the pain she dealt with as a child. Chrissy spoke about what flaw she finds the most uncomforting, her weight. But despite her weight, she has become a successful actress with a loving and eloquent voice.

5. Chrissy learned to take the negative comments as life lessons

"The way I stand up to bullies is with kindness and love. Because I think that's what they really need. They're misunderstood and probably really upset themselves." Chrissy pointed out that bullies pick on you for various reasons, but despite their cruel comments, they are struggling inside themselves.

She pointed out that while the negative comments on her Instagram will leave a temporary sting, she learns that what she does, what she wears, her personality, is not to please anyone, but herself.

6. Anything is possible if you work for it.

Having to audition for numerous roles was costly. At the time Chrissy auditioned for Kate Pearson, she had 81 cents in her bank account, and two months past due on car payments, finding herself to borrow money from a close friend just to get to auditions. Through this, she persevered and portrayed her true and authentic self to directors, which ultimately landed her the job.

She did not solely become famous because of her tremendous acting ability, Chrissy earned the hearts of many fans through her loving, unique, compassionate personality.

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Many people often say to be the best version of yourself. Through Chrissy's book tour, she highlights this on several occasions and I believe her motivational words could truly inspire people of all ages, shapes and sizes for a better future.