When I look in the mirror,

I see a different girl then I am used to.

This girl is ten pounds heavier, but a thousand times happier.

This girl has the same mis-matched colored eyes, but a different experission & smile.

This girl is beautiful.

And not just because you think so, but because she thinks so too.

This girl loves herself.

And that's not something she's used to.

This girl still makes mistakes.

But she can forgive herself for those.

She is able to look past the fog of self hate and judgement.

She still cries.

But instead of sorrow, these are tears of overwhelming happiness.

This girl no longer carries the weight of the world on her shoulders,

But instead, opens her arms wide to embrace what life gives her.

This girl has always been there.

But I didn't open my eyes wide enough to see her.