Self-acceptance is important. We may overlook it sometimes, but I have realized that the reassurance of others shouldn't have that much of a say in what we actually do. We shouldn't need the validation of others in order to be OK with who we are and how we act. We should be happy about the person we have grown up to be and who we will become. Cheesy as it is, it's the truth. When you start accepting yourself, your mindset changes more than you realize. Start taking the smallest quirks about yourself and start fully embracing them. That's what I did, and that's why I'm OK with just being me.
I will wear makeup.
I do not wear makeup to cover my insecurities and look put together. I do it because i enjoy the art of it. In fact I wouldn't put it past you to label me as "girly." But in all seriousness, I probably act like one of the guys more than anything else. And we should not discriminate based on gender in any way, shape, or form due to the fact that I enjoy the art of cosmetology. Art is neutral and has no rules... that pertains to gender too.
I will work out in what I want.
I will wear and will continue to wear spandex to the gym. I am not implying that I am asking for you to look at me or want a comment. I wear them because I'm comfortable. And what I wear should never be a crime or distraction to others. And if it is, then that's your problem, not mine.
I will eat whatever I want.
"Wow, you're eating a salad...classic."
Attention people who judge me for eating a salad: I know it may be hard to believe, but some people actually enjoy eating healthy. Shocker, I know. And frankly, it is none of your business to judge people who do so. I will continue eating my salads, and I will also continue eating like a pubescent boy half the time. This is who I am, and I am perfectly OK with that.
I will dress for myself not for others.
How I dress is different. I have been well aware of that for a while and enjoy finding new styles to take on. Of course I have those days where I sport my best bed attire, but when I do dress up, I do it for myself. If I want to dress badly I will, and if I want to dress nicely I will do the same. How we dress defines who we are, and I will not settle for conformity and neither should you.
I will act however I want.
I will be quirky and I will be weird. Honestly, normal is just straight up boring. I am not going to act a certain way to fill your standard and you should accept that. I will make a spaceship out of a cardboard box at 19 years old. I will play hall sports (apologies to my RA) and I will enjoy it. I love to have fun, and if that’s a crime to you then I am sorry you are living that way.
I will continue making friendships and living by the golden rule. Treat people how they would like to be treated not how people expect you to treat them.
I will continue to care because in the end, there is no limit or harm in showing what you feel for others. Caring is not a crime and neither are your actions.
I will continue to sing even when my neighbors tell me that I need to shut up.
I will continue being strong and build myself to be the strongest I have ever been.
I will continue to do me and stop looking for validation from others, because the only acceptance that matters is my own.
These choices will only ever be my own and I am perfectly OK with that.
I will begin making sure no one takes advantage.
I will begin living for myself and not for the validation of others, and I suggest you all do the same.
These choices will only ever be my own and I am perfectly OK with that.
I will do these things and continue to do these things because I'm only going to be me. I will not change myself in order to be accepted from those who don't appreciate who I am. In the end, people like that are not worth it. It's their loss. Worth is always present in all of us; it just takes one to appreciate it.
