Show Your Stripes

Today is Rare Disease Day, so I’m showing my stripes!

To me, this day is pretty symbolic of my journey of self-acceptance. Not only with having Moebius syndrome, but other parts of me I’ve been learning to accept and even share with the world.

Sometimes I get down on myself for still not being as open about certain parts of myself, but I also need to really give myself credit for how far I’ve come. I really *have* come a long way.

May you also have the strength and courage to accept the parts of yourself that you might want to hide, to let go of any shame associated, and show yourself to the world. Because we all deserve to be our true, authentic selves, no matter what anyone else might think. We need to give ourselves that permission.

Today I wear stripes for those who are afraid to. To show them there is love and acceptance out there.

But, if you’re struggling with accepting yourself, I get it. I really do. And I am giving you the biggest, warmest, most accepting, reassuring hug. Who you are is ok. Those are the words I needed to hear. I think we all need to hear that. Who you are is ok.

Embrace who you are. Who you are is needed!