Wonderfully, Beautifully Human

Scars. Cellulite. Stretch marks.

These are what I see on my legs in the morning as I step out of the shower. 

Acne. Dark circles. Freckles.

These are the things I attempt to cover with make up products before I go out into the world for the day.

I'm ashamed of these little imperfections because it's what all the beauty magazines shame the most gorgeous women in the world for constantly.

I'm ashamed of these little imperfections because they determine my worth as a human being.

I must be toned-not too thin, not too fat- to be beautiful. 

I must wear enough foundation- not too much to look orange, not too little to see all her sun spots- to be truly gorgeous.

But what happens when I spend all of my time fixing my physical imperfections to be what the magazines and celebrity gossip TV shows dub beautiful?

I lose sight of what really matters.

I am a compassionate and caring friend.

I am an honest and intellgient student.

I am a hard-working and dedicated worker.

I am a loyal and patient sister.

I am a kind and loving daughter.

I am beautiful for these reasons.

Acne. Dark cirlces. Freckles.

I smile at into the mirror as I cleanse my face from the day.

I know that these features, no matter what expensive products the magazines and commercials tell me to buy, will never go away. Because these are human faults. 

Wonderful, beautiful human imperfections.

Scars. Cellulite. Stretch marks.

I trace them with my fingers as I dress myself for the bed at night.

I realize that these little human marks are sourvenirs I've collected from a body that's grown and changed over the 21 years I've been alive. A map of the events and changes my body has been through..

Wonderful, beautfuiful human inperfections.

I'm proud of these imperfections.

They are what make me wonderfully, beautifully human.