I am learning to love myself because no one else loves me besides myself. And so, do what I love and love what I do.
Sreyneav Ry, Kraom Mountain, Cambodia, June 20, 2020, 6:30pm
Self Portrait
Quarantine has made me accept that which I cannot change. I am learning to love myself.
Zoe Sloan, Carmel, NY, May 28, 2020
When I look in the mirror, I see a girl who has potential, but who has not yet peaked. I see a girl who longs for self-confidence and to be loved by those stringent, hard to please eyes that prey on herself. I see a girl who longs to live fully in her own persona and know truly that she is more than enough and gorgeous both inside and out. I see a girl who cares deeply about what other close family and friends think of her. A girl who cares deeply about the world. I see a girl with big eyes and beautiful thick hair. I see a girl who has natural beauty. Skin that glows. Long arms. A shapely figure. Nice eyebrows. I see an athlete.
Laila Ward, Los Angeles, California
Constelaciones
What’s beauty?
I have a constellation in my body. Small and big stars that travel my skin. Sometimes you can easily connect the dots. Moles or birthmarks they call them. I’ve found beauty within them. I believe I wouldn’t be myself without those stars.
Karla Monroy Flores, Narrative 4, Tampico, Mexico
Fragments
When I was younger Little details seemed to face me. Obsessing over things no one was looking at, Very well became a source of stress and unhappiness. Even though things seemed to be fine on the outside You would’ve never guessed the reeling thoughts in my head. Over time something within me changed. Uncontrollably, a fire started to burn, Reminding me to never doubt myself. Solitude shone a new light on me. Everlasting. Lively. Fervent for more. Play “Motion” by Khalid // Fragmentos Antes, los pequeños detalles me molestaba; Mientras más me preocupaba, más los notaba. Avergonzada vivía, Teniendo que fingir que todo estaba bien por fuera. Era una farsa con la cual no podía seguir. A través del tiempo, algo cambió dentro de mí. Turbulentamente, un fuego empezó a arder. Inspirando en mi interior una nueva perspectiva. Meses de confinamiento la han resaltado aún más, Implorando que la deje brillar, Sobresalir. Monumentalizar. Obrar por más.
Damaris Navarro, The American School of Tampico, Mexico