I knew I was “different” from a very young age.

I did not know what I had or what to call it but I knew that it was not OK to fall in love with the girl down the street – when all my little girlfriends were falling for the boy neighbors.

I would ask myself every day as young girl and then as a young adult…

Why was I different? How could this be?

What was wrong with me and how could I fix it?

It can feel very disturbing to live in a world with little to no support, knowing you are different with nowhere to go to talk about things and no reference to even having a name for it.

My source, my power, my spirit gave me the courage and led me to an environment that was safe for me to “come out” and be who I AM.

I wish I could say without roadblocks, and mounds, and mounds of pain and fear.

But then I would be lying.

Coming out as a lesbian starting at age eighteen was probably the scariest thing I ever did.

I had to face rejection, disappointment, and endless fear about what people would think of me.

And yet I sit here at age fifty-three, having just celebrated nineteen years with my lovely wife Kathleen. I now can see clearly how every bit of PAIN was worth it.

I AM who I AM.

And I manifested the greatest women on earth to journey through my life with.

My wish for all of us as we navigate through this very rocky time in the history of our world, is to find a way to be more of who you are. Even if that feels scary. Especially if it feels scary.

There is a way to tap in and turn on your INNER LIGHT!

Each and every one of you reading this is a light being of LOVE.

And in this LIGHT – There is TRUTH.

And in this TRUTH – There is NO Body to Hate, and No People to Run From.

There is ONLY LOVE.

So please do me and the world a big favor!?

Find and Feel into the LOVE and Light that YOU are. @laurafenamore (Click to Tweet!)

And you can begin right now by sharing something that you love about yourself below.

Laura Fenamore, Body Image Expert, Coach and acclaimed Author is on a mission to help women around the world end the constant battle with their bodies and start adoring who they see in the mirror. Her approach walks students and readers through the heartfelt journey to self-love at any size or age by unlocking the secrets to a lifetime of emotional, physical and spiritual health. After overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, obesity, and eating disorders, Laura released 100 pounds – keeping it off for more than 28 years. She chronicles this journey to self-love and health in her widely acclaimed book, Skinny, Fat, Perfect: Love Who You See in the Mirror. Learn more about Laura’s programs, or invite her to speak by visiting SkinnyFatPertect.com.