I'm more than a statistic, 1 in 20,000 per year. I'm a daughter and a sister. A woman living with dwarfism, a condition that some see as basis for ridicule. I laugh. I dance. There's more to me than people know. I'm a lover. A fighter. A rule breaker. A woman determined to change how the world views different.

Don't judge my story by the chapter you walked in on. Some days I'm strong. On others, I throw my hands up. I have been through some serious shit and I don't always let it show. My scars tell a story.I take on the world one day at a time with sass in my stride, power in my veins and love in my heart. I am rather dramatic, often talking with my hands. I am sassy. People like to call me "extra", of course I am because I have an extra chromosome, most people don't have.

Height is just a measurement. I don't care how long your legs are, you can only take one step at a time. My steps are small, thoughtful and backed by purpose. They constantly lead me further and further outside of my comfort zone. The result can be messy. And there is always magic within that mess. Pain is something that I am really good at. Physical or emotional. I expect it. I tolerate it. I hide it. I know it. And now, I am taking full responsibility for it.

I strive to motivate people, no matter what their story is, to stay positive in the face of adversity. Connections are best made by revealing our weaknesses, challenges and failures; WE ALL HAVE THEM.

There are as many shades of different as there are of people. I am learning to ignore the harsh words, stares and laughing. I choose to embody an unfuckwithable, compassionate and loving spirit. I am dropping the judgment and embracing the now; what is. When downpours happen – I take the opportunity to feel and then conquer it.

I am acceptance. I am perseverance. I am growth.

My name is Kara. I have little legs and a big heart. I am driven to change and I am enough.