Not all superheroes wear capes.
By Brittany White — Written on Dec 28, 2016
Lizzie Velasquez may be small, but she is definitely mighty. We throw that word "hero" around a lot these days. But this is one person who truly deserves it.
Lizzie was born four weeks premature with a rare congenital disease that prevents her from accumulating body fat. Basically, she can't gain any weight. She also suffers from blindness in her right eye and Marfan syndrome. She's never weighed more than 65 pounds.
Due to her looking "different" she was severely bullied through her childhood.
In 2006, when she was just 17, Lizzie Velasquez was declared the “World’s Ugliest Woman” in a cruel YouTube video.
It was something that could have destroyed a person.
But Lizzie didn't coward down. She didn't let those bullies win.
She kept her head held high and turned all the negativity in her life into positivity by not letting these insatiable bullies break her.
She went on to major in communication studies at Texas State University and became an anti-bullying public speaker. She also released her three books, Lizzie Beautiful: The Lizzie Velásquez Story and two others directed toward teenagers facing obstacles. Her newest book, Dare to be Kind comes out this summer.
She's even given her very own, super-inspiring Ted Talk, "How Do You Define Yourself":
Her story has inspired so many that it was turned into a documentary titled A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velásquez Story, which premiered at South By Southwest in 2015.
Lizzie credits her Roman Catholic faith with helping keep her strong. “It’s been my rock through everything, just having the time to be alone and pray and talk to God and know that He’s there for me," she told Charisma News.
And for those who are being bullied right now: You can NOT let them break you. Remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You will get through this, you are not alone. You are loved. Stay strong.
You can follow Lizzie Velazquez on Twitter at: @littlelizziev, Instagram: @littlelizziev ,Youtube: Lizzie Chickita, and Facebook: Lizzie Velasquez.
We have compiled 10 quotes from Lizzie that inspire us to stand up to those who try to break us down.
If you're searching for the best quotes and memes to share with the people you love (or just want to feel inspired yourself) ... look no further! From the sweetest love quotes, inspirational sayings, and hilarious friendship truths, we've got you covered.
Light up your own world!
"What makes me feel beautiful? Shining your own uniqueness as if your the brightest bulb in the room". — Lizzie Velasquez
You are stunning! Own it!
"True beauty is discovering your own uniqueness and owning it". — Lizzie Velasquez
We all need a little help sometimes.
"Sometimes we need someone to turn on the flashlight for us. Other times we need to turn it on for others". — Lizzie Velasquez
Be pretty confident!
"We get so worried about being "pretty". Let's be Pretty kind, pretty funny, pretty smart, and pretty strong!". — Lizzie Velasquez
Take the journey.
"To me, ultimate happiness is a journey, not a destination. It's not somewhere you end up, it's making choices everyday to make yourself happy". — Lizzie Velasquez
Keep you head held high!
"Am I going to let the people who called me a monster define me? No. I'm gonna let my goals and my success and my accomplishments be the things that define me". — Lizzie Velasquez
You have the world in your hands!
"Bravery, perseverance, and humor: Once you have them you can tackle anything". — Lizzie Velasquez
Dance off the bad vibes!
"As soon as I start doubting myself or questioning myself, I turn on my happy playlist, and it always picks me back up". — Lizzie Velasquez
Make everyday count.
"You have the power to decide if the time you spend is the best or the worst". — Lizzie Velasquez
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