HEAR ME ROAR~

You hold a judgement against me.

You think I am not worth your acceptance or praise.

You think I am not equally acceptable.

You think I don't fit into the category of beautiful.

You want me to live a life of insecurity and self-consciousness.

I think I am allowed to call myself attractive.

I think its okay to smile at the mirrors and feel virtuous.

I think its wonderful to love my waist, my thighs, my legs and everything regardless of my size and shape.

I think I want to trace my fingers on me embracing my uniqueness rather than pointing my flaws.

I think I am radiant in my own standards of beauty.

I know for a fact that my existence is not about how socially acceptable you find me.

'YOU' are the society I live in.

'I' am everyone who needs to come out of their shells and get immune to the pressure you put on me.

There are always two outlooks to a person. Two choices a person can make about themselves. Either you choose to let people control your life with their thoughts or you can graciously accept yourself for what you are. I choose the latter. I think its time to roar, to shout-out and stop all the body shaming. Too thin, Too fat, Too fair, Too dark, Too short, Too tall, Too manly, Too girly and a lot more terms are faced by every single one out there on an everyday basis. Is that how you need to be defined? I don't think so. 

Everyone goes through two phases, Being pressured by the society and their idea of perfection. Coming out of your shell and accepting what you are. Its about time we reached phase two.

Today, I speak about a topic which has haunted me all my life before I came to terms with it. I choose to encourage and inspire every single one of you because its needed. Its time to stop trading your authenticity for the society's approval. Its time to be unapologetic for who you are. As for me, Its time for them to hear me roar.

Until next time,

XOXO

Concept and Story: Ridhi Sharma

Makeup and hair: Sne Aribam Sharma

Photography: Jyotika Baijal