[MidasGirl]

PMG, it is not what happens, but the meaning we give to what happens that determines how we will react. Wayne Dyer talks of how he and his brother grew up in a zillion foster homes, dad left them when they were very young etc. Basically what we can all agree was a painful child. But you know what? He ended up becoming the personal development teacher he is today, and he credits it to his painful experiences that shaped that destiny for him. His brother on the other hand, chose the victim route. You see? Two people experience the same pain and one chooses to use it to help others and become super successful and the other chooses to use it to be mediocre.

I think each one of us can recount painful experiences growing up (even those who had a stellar childhood still can find something to whine about!). I have chosen to believe that these people who tried to program me with negative stuff didn't know any better, and that I am who I decide I am. I am the only person who gets to decide that.

Listen, I'm not gonna pretend society doesn't judge people based on looks. Take action of the things you have control over -- lose weight if you feel you need to, learn to dress up to match the incredible human being that you are etc. But most importantly, shift your attitude about the meaning you give to things that people say/have said to you.

All the best!