If you are anything like me, you have had that awful feeling that comes from walking into a room only to have everyone look at you with judgment and laughter. You probably got up out of bed and slipped on the first T-shirt and pants that you could find. On a good day, the clothes might also be clean. You throw your hair into a ponytail because you hate taking the time to fix it; it wont look good anyway. With a sigh of distain, you go out into the world already dreading the rest of your day.
These are the things that you must know:
1. You are not alone
A lot of people feel like you. I have been there, and I have felt the same way that you are feeling now. Do not be deterred from living life. You are entitled to dress the way you want, regardless of the criticism received from the outside world. I have felt the pain that comes when you try to speak to someone only to have them decide to ignore you based on appearances.
2. Your family wants to improve you.
Your mom will hide your favorite yoga pants in hopes that you will slip on the dress she bought last summer; but it is hanging in the back of the closet with the tags still attached. She will muster a half smile as you walk by in sweat pants, but you know that inside she is dying just looking at your attire. You really want to make her happy, but you just want to be comfortable!
3. Your friends want to make you happy.
Those friends aren’t like you, though. They dress the part and act the part in a way that you can not fathom. Relentlessly, they will plead with you to change; they do this because they want you to be happy. They don’t understand that you already are content with your life. You are probably a person who enjoys the way you look just fine. The truth is that you only want people to accept you as the lovely awkward girl.
4. Forget the things that hold you down.
You are lovely, and you will find those in life who understand. They will make your life complete. It isn’t necessary to change for anyone. So put on your sweat pants and grungy T-shirt, slip on your yoga pants, and parade through town. Nobody is perfect, and you don’t have to pretend to be to impress anyone. You are perfect in your beautifully awkward way.
5. If you want to change, don’t be afraid!
You probably resent the people who want you to be different. All too many times, however, the harbored resentment keeps you from stepping outside of the comfort zone. It is okay to put on that nice dress on occasion. That doesn’t mean that you have lost the yoga pants battle with everyone; it simply means that you have made the decision on your own. You can wear what you want and look great in sweat pants or a prom dress. The choice is yours, and that makes all the difference!
