“If someone has something negative to say about the way you look, breathe. Breathe and remind yourself that it isn’t your job to be visually appealing. Remind yourself that when someone makes a judgement, it is very rarely about you and almost entirely about them and their own insecurities and limitations. Breathe, again and again, and know that beauty isn’t something you owe the world. It isn’t a price you pay for taking up space. It isn’t some compensation for the mistakes you’ve made or the faults other people believe you bear. And it isn’t something other people get to define for you. Breathe and know that you are on this earth for so much more. Know that your worth has never been and will never be tied to the way you look. Breathe and know that you don’t need anyone’s permission or approval to feel good enough. You are important and you matter, regardless of your appearance, and if someone fails to recognize that, it’s their problem, not yours.”
– Daniell Koepke