“I’m a lot.
A lot of pain.
A lot of past trauma.
A lot of playing small.
A lot of anxiety.
I get caught up in my emotions very easily. And I assume people are passing judgment on me all too often.
My expectations for others and myself have a tendency to be higher than my legs are long. I spread myself thin and under appreciate the art of doing nothing.
I’m usually between a 7-10 on the emotional scale and have feelings so volatile I can essentially cry on command.
I’m a lot. I know I am.
A lot of love.
A lot of grit.
A lot of grace.
A lot of brave.
I’m loud. I talk with my hands and if I’m really passionate about something I can barely sit still. I swear, a lot, and acquired my choice vocabulary from my dad who is the epitome of a Bostonian. I am an author and an advocate who uses my voice to educate society and share my story to erase boundaries and eradicate stereotypes.
I’m a lot. And here is what I’m NOT.
I am not a midget.
I am not someone to mock or laugh at.
I am not a source of entertainment.
I am not weak.
The pointing, laughing, staring, photos, comments and unwarranted actions from others get old and they can be downright exhausting. I don’t need to be reminded that I’m different. I’m aware that I live with a disability. I am tired of society demanding something from me other than who I already am.
My name is Kristen. I am a woman living with achondroplasia. I have little legs and a big heart. I am a lot.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Kristen DeAndrade. You can follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.
Read more from Kristen here:
I Am More Than A Person With Dwarfism, I Am Kristen
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