You Don’t Owe Anyone a Polished Version of Yourself

I’ve been thinking about freedom a lot lately. Not just political freedom, or theoretical freedom. But the kind of freedom that shows up in the way you dress. The way you show up. The way you allow yourself to be seen- even when you’re still figuring it out.

Some people wear make up every day because it brings them joy. Some don’t because they never learned or just don’t care to. Neither one means they’ve given up. Neither one means they don’t respect themselves.

You don’t owe the world a polished version of yourself to prove your worth. You don’t have to “look put together” to be worthy of respect. You don’t have to perform strength to be taken seriously. You don’t have to smile to be safe.

Because “looking good to feel good” doesn’t apply to everyone. Some people look fine but are falling apart inside. Others are healing in hoodies. In chipped nails. In un-done hair and worn-out shoes.

Dressing “Well” doesn’t mean you love yourself. And dressing “messy” doesn’t mean you don’t. It means you’re showing up and that should be enough.

So don’t judge someone by their appearance. Don’t assume you know where someone’s at because of what their wearing or how they look. Sometimes the most courageous thing a person can do is leave the house exactly as they are.