It took eighteen years to realize I didn't need anyone's approval 

That my appearance had nothing to do with my personality 

That I didn't need to edit my photos because I am perfectly fine with the way I've grown 

My heart doesn't depend on how many likes I get 

And my soul doesn't strive to outdo anyone else 

See my face was made from heartache 

Each line a form of destruction 

It took years to carve this memory 

Each scar a story 

A time for which I was vulnerable

My dimples are my own deformity

And I will never edit out my features 

Because a filter will never show how bright my smile is 

How my eyes are the perfect mix of blue and gray 

How I look when I read my favorite book 

Or drink my morning cup of coffee 

A filter will never show my true identity 

I do not have perfect skin or perfect teeth or the perfect body 

But I am perfect 

I was sculpted from oppression 

I am a woman 

I am expected to have all the features men adore 

Kind eyes

Big butt 

long legs 

I should look nice 

Ladylike 

I should look like I care about what others think 

But I don't 

The pictures I share with the world are my life story 

They're the moments I feel are worth sharing 

I don't have to have anyone's approval for living 

So when I add a picture I do not want your comments on how I haven't brushed my hair or how I don't look good 

Just because I use a filter does not mean I am uncomfortable with the way I look 

I use a filter so I can compliment my features 

The features I've grown to love 

And I do to expect anyone else to see how truly great they are, but I'll try to show you the exact moment I thought were worth living 

So I refuse to hide behind the societal view of what I should look like 

Because I am unconventional beauty and I am fine with that