This was first posted on my blog on Thursday, May 24, 2012, but I wanted to keep it around. It deserves it’s own page. Yes, I know I’m sort of talking about a blog post like it has feelings, but this post was and still is responsible for the start of my inspirational blogging days as well as a reconnection with a good friend who was in need of some help. And even without those reasons, I believe this post is as beautiful as it is true. Please share with anyone and everyone. Thank you.
Of all of the graffiti I’ve seen written in bathroom stalls, “Smile. You’re Beautiful.” is my favorite. Just three bold words written neatly in Sharpie against a grey background. Untouched by a scrubbing brush and a deterrent of the paint that would otherwise be used to cover it up. These words could mean the world to someone. They could show someone that life isn’t always that bad. I hope that as the years go by and others continue to scratch their names and scribble insensitive comments, these words remain to bring sunshine instead of rain.
So why is it so hard to say something nice to others every now and then? Sometimes I wonder. I wonder about a lot of things. Like does perfect actually exist? Personally, I think individuality is more important and perfect is a matter of perspective that everybody can decide on for themselves. Unfortunately, there are those out there who don’t think they’re good enough. Good enough for who? For others who judge and degrade to make themselves feel better? I have a friend, she lives over a thousand miles away at the moment, who I know struggles with her self-esteem. She’s an extremely smart individual who can be quite funny when she wants to. I try to be motivational when I can, but she is actually the one who inspired me to write this. Everybody has something significant to offer this world; some people just need a little extra push from people who really care about them to see that.
That being said, I would like to offer this quote up to everyone out there (not just the girls) who needs a little bit of, or a lot of, motivation and inspiration, as well as someone to believe in and never give up on them:
“Hey, girls, you’re beautiful. Don’t look at those stupid magazines with stick-like models. Eat healthy and exercise. That’s all. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. You’re good enough, you are too good. Love your family with all your heart and listen to it. You are gorgeous, whether you’re a size 4 or 14. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, as long as you’re a good person, as long as you respect others. I know it’s been told hundreds of times before, but it’s true. Hey, girls, you are beautiful.”
― Gerard Way
Never change who you are because of what someone else says or thinks. Be yourself and love yourself. Stay strong as you weather the storm because there will always be a light to shine through and there might even be a rainbow in the end. There is always hope. Embrace it.
Electric Echo 