All my life, I lived with the feeling that something was missing. I felt like I didn’t measure up, that I wasn’t good enough. I looked at myself and saw insecurity, doubt, and fear.

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I didn’t realize that the real me was already perfect.

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I went through divorces, endured humiliation, and searched for myself. Now, at 49, I have finally realized: I don’t need to compare myself to anyone. I am beautiful just as I am.

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I found the woman within me. I embraced her. I loved her.

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Now, everything I do is not for approval. Not for validation. Not for status.

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I simply live. I simply enjoy myself. I simply indulge in being me.

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And the more I allow myself to be who I truly am, the more beauty I see in this world.