“One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and you must decorate it.”

~ Gabourey Sidibe

Best known for her role in the movie, Precious, Gabourey Sidibe is no stranger to the harsh criticisms of her Hollywood world. And in an industry dominated by images of ‘ideal’—Gabourey not only rose to the top, she redefined Hollywood’s view of ‘normal.’

In 2010, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the movie, Precious.

Shortly thereafter, and when asked how it was that she became such an inspirational symbol of self-love and empowerment, she replied,

“It was a happy accident, actually. People thought I should hate myself because I don’t look like ‘the norm,’ but what is the norm? I absolutely believe that you can be anything you want to be and should love yourself, no matter how you look or what anybody thinks.”

Like elephant journal on Facebook.