My Body, My Choice

I used to beat myself up, 

To follow this strict code of conduct. 

Thinking I was never enough, 

That I was undeserving of anyone's love. 

I used to whine about being bullied, 

So I decided to change every part of me. 

Not realizing that my biggest bully, 

Was in fact; me. 

I was mean to my body, 

Trying to shape it into what it cannot be. 

Pushing myself to places I could not reach, 

Ignoring my other outstanding capabilities. 

Looking in the mirror, 

I see a girl trying so hard to fit in. 

She's completely oblivious,

Of the real beauty that comes from within. 

And the people who can't recognize, 

The beauty that has materialized. 

Are the ones that should change themselves, Instead of your own perfect self.