I want to live in a world of acceptance

I want to live in a world of acceptance, without the need for others to have an opinion on your truth. I don’t want to hear any more “buts” when someone shares their truth about themselves, their bodies, their mental health, their lives.

I want acceptance for everyone.

I want to be able to say, “I’m happy in my body,” without someone saying, 

BUT your BMI says you are overweight,

BUT isn’t it unhealthy to be fat,

BUT aren’t you glamorizing unhealthy behaviors,

BUT being thin is more attractive.

I want acceptance.

I want to be able to say, “I’m really struggling with my mental health right now,” without someone saying,

BUT it's all in your head, get over it,

BUT mental health isn’t the same as physical health,

BUT I thought you took medication for that,

BUT if therapy isn’t working, why do you go?

I want acceptance.

I want to be able to say, “I’m scared of what the future holds and afraid I’m not on the right path,” without someone saying,

BUT I thought you were confident in your dreams,

BUT you should have your life figured out by now,

BUT you should be happy with what you have,

BUT why aren’t you happy in your career? You have a good job.

Our world is riddled with qualifiers. People like to deem that some things are acceptable IF you are XYZ, but condemn you if one of their BUT statements is true. But life isn’t black and white; the reality is that we are living in magnificent shades of gray.

I can be fat and healthy.

I can go to therapy and still struggle with my mental health.

I can smile and giggle while still feeling depressed.

I can be fit in a plus-size body.

I can love my body some days and struggle deeply with it on others.

I wish the world simply accepted people, without preconceived notions or opinions on someone’s truth. If I tell you that surviving depression was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, then believe me. If I tell you a size 14 can run a nine-minute mile, believe me. If I tell you I love you and you are special and belong on this planet, believe me.

Acceptance is difficult for everyone, but I wish we gave each other the peace of acceptance without questions or demands. Just acceptance, just kindness, and empathy as someone tells you their truth, we all deserve that.