Beyond the Perfect Exterior

I'm sorry if I'm not who you thought I was.

I used to appear strong, but now you see my Achilles' heel. Will you use that against me, or will you choose empathy?

Will you look beyond the shiny exterior to see that all I ever want is to be loved and accepted for who I am?

Because that is all anyone ever truly wants.

To be loved. To belong.

Every day, I make a choice. I choose to work hard, to be positive, to do the right thing. I choose to be a rule follower. I choose to move my body, to eat green things, to drink water. I choose a book instead of a screen. I choose what's right for me, even when it isn't the popular choice.

I choose confidence. I choose to make a difference. I choose to love. I choose kindness. I choose hope. I choose to be invincible.

I choose to belong to me. I am my own perfect tribe.

I make these choices actively, every single day.

Without them, self-doubt would set in. The constant worry that I’m not enough, and the deep-rooted need to be wanted and to belong, would overshadow the light that shines within me.

It may seem like everything is perfect, but it isn't.

So look beyond who you think I am and realize that you, too, have a choice.