I submitted this entry on Stop Hating Your Body last january 28, 2011. And i was surprised when i found out it got published. But what made me happier were the messages i received from the readers and how i was actually able to inspire people to accept and love themselves.

So here goes my submission:

Hi I’m Ekai Magtoto. I’m a Filipina. I’m 20 years old. I’m 5’7” tall and i weigh about 120 to 130 pounds. I believe that being optimistic and grateful can really make you better and happier. I’m a girl who loves life!

1. My teeth are really big plus they are not straight. I am always teased because of this but still i’m not shy to flash my smile. My eyebrows are very bushy and they always meet at one point or another but i like them.  My eyes will probably never see 20/20. And i think my nose doesn’t suit me. Plus my arms used to be flabby. But i know they are beautiful.

2. My legs are not skinny like the supermodels and i’m a bit frustrated before why it was shaped like that. Look they are thunder thighs! Plus i have a scar on my knee because i have been very clumsy ever since. My feet are gigantic as well and i find it hard to buy shoes right for my size. My hips are wide. But i am thankful i still have them because some people don’t have legs or feet to walk.

3. My hair? Oh they are and will always be frizzy and thick no matter what i do. I have given up on permanent straighteners or those false promises hair treatments make. I really don’t want my hair to be straightened permanently because i like it just the way it is. I want to stand out in a crowd not having those long flat hairs everyone else have. I think my hair is unique.

4. My heart and mind sometimes don’t get along well. Before, I end up regretting things or wondering what could have been. But now i’ve decided to do what really makes me happy and not give a damn about what other people say or think of me. My insecurities, imperfections and failures in life will never eat me alive because i don’t allow them to. I choose to be loving. I choose to be happy.

I tried skipping meals before but it led me in having gastritis and it hurt so bad. Eat at the right time and in moderation. Don’t ever try not eating because sooner or later it will only harm you. Think of it, at least you have something to eat while someone else is starving. This picture was taken after the great depression but i still manage to have a contagious sunny disposition, a bright smile and a loving heart because nothing or no one can stop me from being happy and grateful!  If i can, so can you.

I want the world to see me as a happy and optimistic person. Someone who is strong and mature enough but at the same time kind-hearted and forgiving. Someone who knows she isn’t perfect but still accepts it and makes the most out of what she has. Someone who needs real people who could accept and love her for what she is. Someone who is still sorry for her shortcomings and mistakes and who takes her downfall and failures to her advantage. I would like the world to see me as an inspiration where i could touch other people’s hearts. I would like the world to see me as loving and grateful kind of person. Lastly, Someone who is not afraid of being herself and being different, even though i have an outrageous laugh and a very clumsy personality. I would like the world to see me as me. Just me. No pretenses or lies.

I’ve realized that in order to be beautiful, you have to be happy. You have to have a positive outlook in life. Stop worrying about how other people perceive you. Believe in who you are. Be yourself and show the world you’re proud of the way you are! I learned not to live my life pleasing other people or conforming to society’s standards. Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior. I didn’t let those people who made fun of my imperfections or flaws get into me. No matter how hard situations or people can be, be optimistic! I surround myself with people who really accept and love me for who i am. I get enough strength and courage from my family and friends. LOVE YOURSELF. If you don’t fill yourself with love first, you have nothing to give to anybody. You can’t look good if you don’t feel good about yourself. And lastly, Be happy with who you are and what you have because you are lucky enough to have them. If you’re always working to be someone you’re not, you’ll never be a happy person. Your imperfections and individualistic quirks define you. Everyone is imperfect. You are beautiful and amazing just the way you are. And in time, you will be able to live a fulfilled life of happiness and love.

Happy girls are the prettiest! -Audrey Hepburn

I want all of you to be happy, to feel that you are loved and to know that you are beautiful inside out! Be brave and join the revolution!