Every swan

All of you are swansNo matter what anyone tells you.
Good morning, lovelies,

I recently had someone insinuate that Swanitude was only for white people and that I personally was only for white people...all because they saw a personal post of mine that didn't decry the world was coming to an end.

People are funny.

While I can take personal criticism, the subtle attack of Swanitude made me want to flip a table. But what good would that do? What would I gain from arguing with someone who 1) doesn't know me at all and 2) didn't read my post in its proper context.

Nothing. I would gain nothing.

Regardless of which side of the debate you fall these days, I challenge you to react with love. Not anger. Not hate. Not arguments.  
Love.

When someone tells you you're wrong, show them love. When someone calls you names (bigot, racist, worthless, uneducated, and all those other words flying from all sides to all people), I challenge you, not to not feel hurt - words hurt - but to look at those words through the lens of your swanitude.

Are they true?
No. They aren't. 
They hurt, yes, but they are still lies trying to steal what I know many of you have fought hard for.
Loving yourself and seeing yourself as you were created to be.

The thing is, sometimes people call you names or say mean things because they don't like themselves, or they don't like things that aren't similar to themselves.  They're the ones missing out on how awesome you are.

So if anyone tries to tell you that you aren't a swan (in whatever words they choose to convey that), remember this:

Swanitude is for everyone, as everyone was created in God's image (my personal belief) and is beautiful and loved.

Swanitude doesn't care about your ethnicity, faith, or orientation. It sees you as you truly are: loved. 

When people come against that...when they call you wrong or broken...just know that they have no idea. They don't know you.

Your skin, whatever color, whatever blemishes or excess, is beautiful. Your body, whether it's thick or thin, is beautiful. Your hair, your nose, your eyes, your knees...your heart and soul...your beliefs and your preferences...NONE OF THOSE THINGS will ever exclude you from Swanitude. 

My readers are from every continent, from every background, gender, and reality. They are men and women, gay, straight and bisexual. They are black, white, and every color in between. They are different political beliefs. They are each unique, special, and so loved.

If someone tries to tell you otherwise, instead of getting mad, wow them. Show them love. Love isn't something you can fight against.
As my country and many others fill with hate and spew negativity across party lines, I encourage you to change the narrative.

Be loving.
Spread your wings and show people that you have something different, and they are welcome to join.
Fly high my friends.
You. Are. Loved.
No matter who you are.


Sincerely,
Kelsey The Swan