Don't Let Them Take Away Your Shine..

Hello Loves,

I wish I could look everyone of you in the eyes and just tell you that you're beautiful, you're talented, and that you're absolutely perfect just the way you are. At some point haven't we all just wished we could be prettier, skinnier, more athletic, more talented, less shy, popular, more.. perfect. We want everyone to like us. The need to feel accepted, wanted, loved. It's all too much sometimes. But who are we seeking approval from? Is it your peers? Friends? Family? Parents? Church? Getting too caught up in being 'liked' by the wrong people is so so easy as a young person. Especially a young woman. We want the seemingly right guy to 'love' us. Yet we don't truly love ourselves. We want the pretty, popular people to want us. Almost without realizing it, we've compromised our morals, beliefs, and standards to fit those around us. Losing yourself to gain the acceptance and love from anyone is wrong. You were made the way you are for a reason. Embrace it. Learn to love you for YOU. Respect yourself and the respect from others will come easily.

I just finished reading the book Burned by Ellen Hopkins and I would like to share a few parts with you.

"You shine brighter than the Milky Way. Now, there are those who might try to take it away from you, but you don't have to give it away. Keep on shining. And when the right young man comes along, he'll love you all the more for giftin' this sad planet with your light.."

"You are a gift to all who know you, whether or not they realize it. If they don't, they are blind. You have a special place in this world. All you have to do is find it. Don't give up on yourself, on the truths you have realized. Do not give in to those who would crush your dreams like nutshells. And never turn away from forever love."

Wow, how amazing would it be if everyone heard that. If everyone was constantly reminded of how wonderful they are. All too often we spend time trying to change ourselves and others to fit some unwritten standards. I can promise you that you are perfect. You are beautiful. You deserve to fullfill your dreams. You deserve love.

xo.
r