My little sister went back to school last week and when she came back home, she made a comment about how she was glad two of her classmates weren't there. Not because she didn't like them, they were two of her best friends, just because they made her feel ugly.
  That got me thinking. What is beauty?
  I mean, most of the general population obsesses over how they look. They buy beauty products, go to spas, and get beauty tips from celebrates.
  Girls compliment each other on "Oh! You're so pretty!" and ignore or scoff at the people who look average or "ugly".
  Even guys now obsess over the latest fashion and how their hair is styled 'cause they want to be "cool".
  "Beauty" is just a term that culture has labeled as it's ideals. People who are "beautiful" have those ideals. People who don't are just shoved aside.
  But...why? The answer is simple.
  It's because the majority of the population doesn't want to be regarded as "Ugly" or "Uncool" or a hundred different synonyms for those two words.
  But...what if we changed the way we look at ourselves? What if we viewed ourselves as individuals instead of a part of people who simply choose to go with the flow? What if...instead of just watching the girls who are "beautiful" or "glamorous" and the guys that are "hot", we take a moment to look at the general population?
  Too many kids are bullied because they are not "normal". Too many kids are bullied because they are not "beautiful". And sometimes, these children believe these words. They think that they are not needed by the world. And they take their own life. And sometimes, the lives of people around them. What most people don't know is that these people they single out have their own special habits and friends that make them who they are. They are as unique as you or me.
  I think...my sister should look at what she doesn't pay attention to: the qualities that not every looks at: the way she laughs, her bright personality, the talents she hides from her friends, the way she loves animals. So many qualities that are ignored, blocked by a single word: UGLY.
  I gotta' question for anyone who reads this journal.
                       Who are you?
 Are you someone who is weighed down by the words "UGLY" or "UNCOOL"?
 Are you someone who is pushed to the side while the spotlight is taken by someone who is there solely for their looks and not for their talents or who they are?
 Or...are you someone who becomes the center of attention? The one everyone talks about and girls whisper "Oooooo! I'm SO jealous. I totally want to be her!"
 Give this a try, even if it's for a little while:
     ~*~If someone walks up to you and compliments you for your looks, just smile and say "I am who I am".
     ~*~Pay attention to people you normally wouldn't give a second thought. You'd be surprised. They may have more in common with you than you think.
     ~*~Ignore what people say behind your back. Don't pay attention to gossip. And most definitely don't let anything anyone says affect you.
     ~*~The old saying goes: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." It is my belief that this is false. Your body can forget what has happened to it, but words will last a lifetime. Be careful of what you say.
     ~*~Ask your friends what most they like about you. Tell them something you like about them.
  Here, on DeviantArt, please share this journal, these words, with your friends and watchers. I don't mind if you copy them, just remember to think about what these words mean. Anyone can change the world. Maybe us kids and DeviantArt.com people can change the world's definition of "beauty" and "normal".
  And try this. When you post a comment, your own comment signature can appear at the footnote (this option is under settings). If this journal means anything to you, if you feel that you are not one of those people who goes with what society believes is "excellent", add this to your signature:
*Beginning of Comment Signature* (Just remove the astrick (*) for it)
:*star: I am who I am. Nothing anyone or society can do will change that. I am a star in the sky and my light shines bright. I will never allow my light or anyone else's light to perish into the darkness. I am who I am. :*star:
*End of Comment Signature*
  Try that. Even if it's for a day. Remember: You are who YOU are. DO NOT let anyone change that. We CAN change the world. Do onto others as you would want THEM to do to YOU (and these include you words).