Dear Girl in the Mirror,

You are supposed to be a reflection of me, an exact replica, but you are not. Not even close. You show a straight-faced, bright blue-eyed, freckle covered skin, long brown haired girl. You show my appearance, but you do not show me.
I am a honor roll student. I am a scholar athlete. I am a loving daughter. A rambunctious sister. A sports loving girl. Most importantly I am a caring person.
I bet you never knew these things about me, I can't blame you because people who don't know the real me only see what you show too. I have learned to accept that I can't let everyone learn who I am, but the judgment of strangers shouldn't bother me. The people I love know the real me and that is why they love me, not because of what you show, but because of what I show.
I have tried to impress you for so long, but like a naive teenage boy your view never changed. You still saw that average looking girl who always fell short of society's standards. Maybe you're right, I will always fall short to society's standards, but that is because the standards will always change. One year skinny is the hot body type and the next it is "slim thick." Which body type would please you? Which one would allow me to look at you and not feel disgust? The answer is both.
I should look and no matter what I see, I should be happy because my standards are the one person’s standards I need to live up to, and my happiness is all that matters. Show me the girl who isn't skinny enough, but isn't thick enough. Show me the girl with brown hair instead of blonde. With pale, freckle-covered skin instead of a golden tan. Show me her because I will love her.
She is the girl who houses the next scientist or Doctor or lawyer. She will fight for our country or run our country. Her options are unlimited because she is beautiful without your approval.
Girl in the mirror you can go away because not matter what you show my love for myself will not be dulled. I have found happiness in myself, not from ignoring my flaws, but from embracing them. I have found confidence in the parts of my body you told me to hate, because when I ignored your judgement my love for my features was revealed. I am removing you from my wall because without you I am the girl you show and so much more.

p.s. to anyone who has ever felt unhappy or ugly in their body, you are beautiful and remember that girl in the mirror has a lot to learn.