In a world that often seeks to control and judge, I stand firm in declaring that my body is not a battleground. It is not a place for others to wage their wars or project their insecurities. My body is a sanctuary, a vessel that carries the essence of who I am.

It is not a cautionary tale, a warning to others about the consequences of their actions or choices. My body is not a canvas for society to paint its expectations upon, nor is it an advertising space for others to exploit. It is not there to validate or invalidate anyone’s self-worth.

My body is not a tool for comparison or a means to measure one’s own beauty or worthiness. It is not there to make you feel better or worse about yourself. My body is not a commodity to be debated, dissected, or judged by others. It exists solely for me, a vessel for my own self-expression and fulfillment.

I have the autonomy to decide how I use my body, how I present it to the world, and how I navigate through life. It is a personal choice, one that should be respected and honored. My body is not subject to the opinions or expectations of others.

So let it be known that my body is mine and mine alone. It is a sacred space, deserving of love, acceptance, and autonomy. I will not allow it to be reduced to a battleground, a cautionary tale, or a canvas for others’ projections. My body is a reflection of my identity, my strength, and my freedom.

Copyright © Beatriz Esmer