LEA WEST

My hopes for the world when it comes to body image and beauty perception is more acceptance around being individuals. Seeing beauty in things that are unique.

Too often we compare or view people as “less than” because we don’t meet a certain beauty standard. When I witness a parent laughing or subtly pointing at someone because they are different, what kind of message is that sending to our youth?

As age has been creeping up on me, I’ve noticed how external validation has tarnished my self-worth and my confidence. Suddenly, I’m invisible.

I always know the right answer. In our time together, I will say this a lot. The right answer is: it doesn’t matter what others think, what matters is who you are and what you put out in the world.

The reality is the more I’ve aged and the more I’ve put work into my brain , I have forgotten about my body. I’ve been neglectful and it shows. And from a society standpoint, I have less validity and I couldn’t possibly bring anything to the table. I mean just look at me.

What people don’t see is the accomplishments I have. The goals I have achieved and the things I’ve done that I should really be proud of.

I am proud – sort of.

The problem is I still don’t feel like enough. That is hard to type without summoning some tears when I really sit with the weight of that statement.

There is work to be done.

**This is part of a series that uses “beautiful you – a daily guide to Radical Self-Acceptance” by Rosie Molinary as a model for prompts to look inward. Here’s why.**