born this way

**Warning- this post contains adult themes/images**

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Freedom. Acceptance. Family. Belonging. Camaraderie. Pride. Love. Anticipation. A deep knowledge of who they are, of being firmly rooted in that, and living from that steadfast place. Home. Open. Honor. Togetherness. Peace. Respect. Identity. Transformation. Wholeness. Laughter. Excitement. Being one. Overcoming. Fun. Lightheartedness. Freedom.

I felt so much acceptance there to be exactly who I am, to be free to be the person I was designed to be. I know my identity. I know who I am. And yet the struggle to live that way, completely me, is overwhelming. The sting of rejection, of abandonment, is real and painful. Being enveloped in that atmosphere gave me a renewed sense of the overcoming spirit that is within me.

I can do this.

There is a wide, wide world out there just waiting for me to live in it fully, as me, the real me. That may take me to places that have others questioning the why. It doesn't matter. That may have me saying things that others don't agree with, don't understand, don't believe. It doesn't matter. That may have me standing alone. It doesn't matter.

There's nothing wrong with loving who you are
She said, "Cause he made you perfect, babe

So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way

Born This Way by Lady Gaga