If you have ever known someone who has been a victim, or if you have been a victim of bullying, you know it’s a senseless and terrible act. In recent years, bullying has become an epidemic in our society – one we don’t take lightly and one that needs to be stopped. For anyone who has been dubbed “different” or has suffered from any form of bullying, it’s hurtful and can leave permanent emotional damage. In a world where looks and fashion have become such prominent mainstays of society, we need people who are able to rise above the bullying, the criticism and the senseless judgment to live their own truth with pride. Lizzie Velásquez is a shining example of someone who has taken the acts of bullying, risen above and built something positive from something negative.
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If you aren’t familiar with Lizzie, she’s a motivational speaker, author and star of a recently released documentary, A Brave Heart, the Lizzie Velásquez Story. Lizzie “suffers from a rare congenital disease which, among other symptoms, impedes her from accumulating body fat. This condition resulted in bullying during her childhood and early youth, and ultimately inspired her to take up motivational speaking.” (via Wikipedia) At just 26 years old and 58-pounds, Lizzie was first bullied as a young child. Years later she discovered a YouTube video labeling her “The World’s Ugliest Woman.” Rather than being a just another victim of cyber bullying, Lizzie has made it her lifelong quest to stand up against bullying. Through motivational speaking engagements, educational TEDx talks and even as a lobbyist for the first anti-bullying bill, Lizzie has made her stamp on the world through her inspirational story and commitment to justice.
Here’s a look at the trailer for her new documentary:
We can all learn a lot from Lizzie – she’s a brave and inspiring soul who has taken a terrible act and turned it into an incredibly positive story. In the movie she says, “I like to think I am not only telling my story, I’m telling everyone’s story.” And you know what, she is. We have all been teased, made fun of or felt like the odd person out at some point in our lives, and Lizzie is standing up for everyone who feels that terrible loneliness or experiences that type of pain. She’s an inspiration and light in a society that’s so often filled with darkness.
It’s not hard to find inspiration from Lizzie’s story and she’s a constant reminder of why it’s important to be proud of who you are and not be ashamed to rise above the negativity. What will you take from this story and apply to your own life?
