You are beautiful because you tell the truth (as you see it) to yourself and to others, even when it is hard.

You are beautiful because you know that yours is not the only truth.

You are beautiful because you care more about looking like yourself in all the phases of your life than simply looking attractive, whatever that is.

You are beautiful because you rush out the door barefoot and in your pajamas to see sunsets when someone says, “COME SEE THE SKY!,” even when it is freezing outside.

You are beautiful because you are interesting and interested.

You are beautiful because you still express childlike wonder at the least provocation, like spiderwebs or moss on rocks.

You are beautiful because you are fancy in the ways that make you happy and plain in the ways that make you real to yourself.

You are beautiful because you follow threads and discover things about the world that serve no purpose other than being interesting to you.

You are beautiful because you believe things are possible, even when they look impossible.

You are beautiful because you take care of yourself. And your Self.

You are beautiful because you don’t abandon yourself anymore.

You are beautiful because you always believe in the possibilities inherent in other people.

You are beautiful because you go off on tangents.

You are beautiful because you tell a good story.

You are beautiful because you always give a child the last cupcake, even if you are desperate to eat it yourself.

You are beautiful because you think play is not just for children but necessary for humans of all ages.

You are beautiful because you love animals deeply.

You are beautiful because you will never interrupt a child.

You are beautiful because you fall in love quickly and deeply.

You are beautiful because you love to read difficult books.

You are beautiful because you love the challenge of difficult people.

You are beautiful because you are surprising.

You are beautiful because you don’t pick up your end of the rope in a tug of war.

You are beautiful because you create things.

You are beautiful because you open spaces for other people to create things.

You are beautiful because you love the feel of warm grass on your feet in summer.

You are beautiful because the sound of the ocean buoys and feeds you.

You are beautiful because you have experienced trauma and not looked away from it.

You are beautiful because you don’t take yourself too seriously.

You are beautiful because you laugh easily and often.

You are beautiful because you don’t pretend to be someone you are not.

You are beautiful because you forge connections between people.

You are beautiful because you dare.

You are beautiful because money has never been your reason or your excuse.

You are beautiful because you can give up your attachment to being right when needed for your own happiness or the happiness of someone else.

You are beautiful because you are loyal to your friends.

You are beautiful because you can forgive and maintain your boundaries simultaneously.

You are beautiful because you know all the rules are made up.

You are beautiful because you keep getting back up after a blow.

You are beautiful because you stand up for justice.

You are beautiful because you see what others may not see.

You are beautiful because you are not willing to compromise your values.

You are beautiful because you know what matters to you.

You are beautiful because you let others live the lives they want to live.

You are beautiful because you don’t look away from pain.

You are beautiful because you choose to learn instead of judging.

You are beautiful because you don’t lash out at people who are lashing out at you.

You are beautiful because you see beauty and complexity in every human.

You are beautiful because you are funny.

You are beautiful because your heart is full of knowing.

You are beautiful because you are just as wise as you are smart.

You are beautiful because you love the way the sun hits the trees.

You are beautiful because you say “yes” when you can—and “no” when you must.

You are beautiful because you know the power of silence.

You are beautiful because you don’t feel the need to explain yourself.

You are beautiful because you will always support the rights of others.

You are beautiful because you delight in small things.

You are beautiful because you acknowledge the best in yourself and forgive the worst in yourself and others.

You are beautiful just because you are.

You are beautiful because you know.

You are beautiful.

Don’t ever forget that.