So just by chance, I got to watch this video on YOU TUBE about a woman who was talking about beauty. Ha. Beauty. Something I struggle with every single day! What does SHE know, I thought.
But then I listened.
And Listened...
This woman who was scarred after a burn accident as a child, hit the nail on the head.
My ENTIRE life, I have been stared at, made fun of, tortured and ridiculed. All because I didn't fit in with other peoples idea of "perfect".
I was short (still am, go figure), chubby (working on that), wore glasses, had braces....And, had a disorder that while THEN it was so mild,, that doctors didn't even pick it up....But...made me different enough, that I would never EVER be considered "normal".
Mocked. Teased. Tortured.
My prayers back then were NOT for them to accept me and be my friend....They were for ME to change and be like them. Wait. WHAT? Be like them?
Ignorant - Nasty - Judgmental?
The woman in these You Tube videos described a pivotal moment in her life, when her perspective about what people thought about her changed. I related with her and her story in such a huge way.
No....I am not scarred (on the outside anyway) But I AM different. Having Neurofibromatosis comes with visual confirmations that I am different. I get judged and have comments thrown at me all the time. I've had Mary Kay consultants tell me that they could help "cover that up"....Others ask me why I don't get the tumors removed. Some...Just asked questions about what the bumps are...or if I'm contagious.
Nice huh?
I've let what others think of me, affect EVERYTHING I do. I'm getting better about this....But, as those with NF know...My tumors will only get worse. The stares, questions, "helpful advice"....Will only get worse.
Feeling beautiful, is a tough one for me.
My husband tells me I am beautiful....I usually roll my eyes and shrug it off as being something he HAS to say....Because I SEE the reality when I look in the mirror.
BUT....
Here's what I am learning....(not LEARNED....LEARNING!)
The saying that TRUE BEAUTY comes from the inside.....Guess what? It's TRUE!
I know a LOT of visually beautiful people. Their gorgeous - flawless bodies....Who are truly shallow, ignorant and flat out MEAN. I also know visually beautiful people who are nice, just to be fair.
But, get this....I have been given so much more positive attention, for my attitude, and inspirational stories, than I ever have for my weird bumps, or chubby body.
Those that MATTER...See the beauty that is inside me! I AM FEELING THAT BEAUTY TOO!
Thank you Kelly Falardeau, for your spirit, your attitude and for showing what TRUE BEAUTY IS!
THRIVE ON!
