2/2 A reminder that I can work on myself and my confidence so "but words will never hurt me" (yeah right), but I can't build that protection up for others. I learned that day just how much I cared for the person being spoken about, and how I never wanted them to know what was said because I want to protect them always. And others. And it sunk in for the very first time what it is to truly love someone else, to make yourself open and vulnerable, to feel their words and feel their pain, and know that sometimes you can't protect yourself or them from what's to come. I was afraid to write about this one. Afraid the person who said it would read this and feel shame. I do not mean to do so, and please know that although the you did hurt me, I forgive you. More than that I'm afraid the person it was said about would read this and wonder if it was about them. Please don't wonder if this is about you. I will never say, and you are so much more than this wasted time. Although I have struggled with my own weight issues, i have never looked at you and thought less of you because of yours. My heart is exhausted from backward compliments and insults disguised as care. The truth is, it doesn't matter your size, someone is going to pick you apart. Some of the same people who have told me I look pregnant were also the ones to tell me I was too skinny and offer no complements or encouragement when I was an in between "ideal" and "healthy" weight. It's no fun being told you're becoming unattractive. But it's worse being told you're unattractive now, like that's all you are, and you're hopeless. You are so much more than your appearance. And so am I. Thanks to my mum for always telling me I'm beautiful, even after I told her she has to say that. Just like the words that hurt that stick around, so do the good ones, and they pull us through. Tell your daughter she's beautiful. Tell your mom you believe her and love her for it. #everypieceofme #effyourbeautystandards #anxiety #growth #vulnerability #bodyimage #bodypositive #bodypositivity #women #womensissues #loveyourselffirst #selflove #selfloveisthebestlove