This Is Me. And I’m Done Hiding.

This summer, for the first time in my life, I wore shorts almost every day. That might seem small, but for me—it’s monumental.

You see, I wear braces on my legs. I have arthrogryposis. And as a child, I always felt those eyes. The stares. The whispers. The “Ohhh, poor girl…” from neighbors who thought they were being compassionate—but didn’t realize they were cutting deep.

My mom taught me to stare right back. To keep walking. And I did. I went to regular schools, had amazing friends, did all the things other kids did—cast after cast, surgery after surgery. In elementary school, I was just Deborah. The girl with a big laugh and even bigger circle of friends. Kids didn’t see a disability. They just saw me.

But the looks stuck with me.

So for years, I covered up. Pants, long skirts—anything to hide the braces. Because I knew the limp already made people look. I didn’t want to give them one more reason.

But today—at 60 pounds lighter, mentally stronger, and emotionally freer—I’m standing here in shorts. And you know what? I think I look cute in my little braces. (My husband always tells me I do. ❤️)

I’ve realized it’s not just about what people see—it’s about how I see myself. And I’ve never felt more beautiful or more like me.

👉 To anyone who hides parts of themselves out of fear of judgment: Don’t wait 40 years like I did. You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to shine.

💬 If you relate to any of this—or if you’ve had your own “finally free” moment—drop a comment below. Let’s lift each other up. No filters. No shame. Just truth.

#ThisIsMe #ArthrogryposisAwareness #BracesAndBeautiful #DisabilityIsNotInvisibility #HealingOutLoud #RealTalk #BodyAcceptance #YouAreNotAlone