Dare to Be Kind
How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World
-
- $12.99
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
Motivational speaker Lizzie Velasquez shows us how we can learn self-acceptance, and in doing so, we create a more compassionate world for everyone. Born with a rare genetic condition, Lizzie Velasquez always knew she was different, but it wasn't until she was older that she understood what that meant to herself and others.
In this daring, inspirational book, Lizzie reveals the hidden forces that give rise to self-doubt and empowers us to unlock empathy and kindness for ourselves and others. Through her own battles with anxiety and depression she demonstrates how we can overcome obstacles and move forward with greater positivity and hope.
Dare to Be Kind offers the path to self-acceptance, love, and tolerance, and provides a framework for living with confidence and resilience, and ultimately, forging a radically compassionate world.
"Sometimes we are met with overwhelming challenges that knock us off our feet-but [Lizzie has] been able to embody the power of hope and compassion in everything [she does]."—Michelle Obama
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Given Lizzie Velásquez's remarkable backstory and public struggle with a rare genetic disorder, it’s no surprise that she’s written a fiercely brave memoir. But the YouTube star’s first book is so much more than that. Dare to be Kind is also a practical, big-hearted call for empathy and joy—even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Debut author and motivational speaker Velasquez delivers a heartfelt and powerful treatise about the importance of being kind, gleaned from first-hand experience. The author, who has neonatal progeroid syndrome, a rare combination of Marfan syndrome and lipodystrophy that prevents her from gaining weight, was bullied in school and online. One day she found that a picture of her had been made into a cruel meme that identified her as the world s ugliest woman, accompanied by comments like Why didn t her parents abort her? Not one comment was kind, Velasquez remembers. Velasquez s solution to this kind of harassment is to create a culture of kindness, extended even toward bullies. This might seem inconceivable, she admits, but she believes it s the only way to solve the problem of bullying. She also points out that serious challenges can bring personal depth and understanding that s impossible without those lessons. The author doesn t pretend to be a Pollyanna, however like anyone else, she has faced dark times, even becoming for a time addicted to anti-anxiety meds. Velasquez counsels readers to lose the shame over their problems it s a complete waste of time and energy and focus on their own gifts. Readers will be inspired by Velasquez s resilient spirit.