Ever since I was a kid I never had a ton of friends.  I was always different. I have been overweight my entire life.  I also was the little girl who got dirty & played with Hot Wheels then ten minutes later I would be playing dress up with my Barbies.  I was involved in dance for seven years & you want to know how many friends I gained?  I only had one.  I don't even talk to her anymore.  Throughout elementary school all the way to high school I struggled to create the person I wanted to be.  I felt so alone & as if nobody understood who I was because they couldn't get past my appearance.  They acted as if I was a virus & steered clear of me.  Don't get me wrong I had a tight knit group of friends, but I was still bullied from other people.  Even as an adult now I get bullied by other adults & complete strangers.  Why?  I have no idea why what I look like is bothering them so much they need to make a point to tell me how they feel.  I'm struggling even now to understand people.  When  I turned 18 that's when I changed my attitude.  I do not care what strangers think of me. I'm changing my life for me & nobody else.  I'm 22 years old & I am strong.  I've been through a lot in my life & I don't need anyone telling me how to live or criticizing me.  I have three beautiful nieces & two amazing nephews.  I haven't been there for them as much as I should have & they are all going through so much.  Bullying has been a part of their lives.  They don't know completely of what I've gone through & it's time they know they are NOT alone.  I'm going to do everything I can do help stand up for people like me & anyone who has been bullied.  We will be united.