Life is so strange and magical and unpredictable, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking a lot about my viral tweet lately and can’t help but wonder: What was it about that one tweet that resonated so much? Like, I just randomly posted that tweet on a Saturday night and I never expected any of this to happen AT ALL.
I wrote about the beauty aspect of it in this essay for HuffPost Personal, but I think there’s more to it than just that. Y’all know I’ve tweeted A LOT (42K+), so why that tweet? I’m so happy people have embraced and related to the tweet, but it really made me realize how wild and unexpected life can be!
I used to hate the unexpected, but you know what? If it wasn’t for this unexpected tweet, I wouldn’t have met so many AMAZING people over the last two months!! So many people who I now consider friends and I am so grateful for that!! Thank you for the emails, tweets and outpouring of love!! Thank you for being you!! And thank you for your beautiful selfies!! What an incredible journey this had been!!
And speaking of photos, I had a HUGE revelation recently: I rarely post photos that show my wheelchair and that made me a little bit sad, especially since my wheelchair is such a part of who I am.
So that’s why I’ve chosen this photo as my new profile pic on social media. I mean, the yellow flowers may have swayed me too, but I love how my entire wheelchair is on full display…
As a woman with a disability, I’ve struggled for a long time with self-confidence, body image and just being OK with myself. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s something I’ve tried to work on. We all have things we’re self-conscious about and mine just happens to be a very visible disability. I’m not sure the journey will ever be complete for me — maybe something like self-acceptance and self-love doesn’t have a finish line? Maybe it’s a lifelong process.
Can you relate, friends? What have you struggled with when it comes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-love? Let’s support each other! And as always, thank you for all the support for my viral tweet… xoxo
My Essay on CNN Opinion: “This New Holiday Movie Would Have Changed Everything For My Teenage Self”
Have a Delicious Weekend
Header Head-Scratcher: Part II.
Lisa says
Melissa,
I love the picture of you and your beloved wheelchair! I agree with you that your wheelchair is an important part of your living so why not embrace it positively. It may inspire another wheelchair bound person too.
Perfect time of the year to show pretty yellow flowers and help us forget the blah colors that represent the next few months.
Always enjoy your blogs.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!🦃😊
Linda Fitzgerald says
I loved that post and this one is great too! I love your pic…a lot of people would not get around without a chair so good on you for posting your chair in this pic! It’s a really good pic of you!
Anne-Marie Callus says
Hi Melissa,
You are a great person! I think your post resonated so much because so many people (especially women) feel they have to live up to impossible standards of what is conceived of as physical beauty – as if the be all and end all of life is the body beautiful! And to be able to walk of course. So having your wheelchair as part of your profile picture is great. Keep it up Melissa!
Anne-Marie
Danette says
I think self love is a lifelong journey for most of us. I find it’s easier as I’ve gotten older. We see
To come to an age where we start to realize that our own needs and feelings are as important as anyone else’s.
I enjoy reading your posts! The picture is lovely. Thank you for sharing.