# @aj_andrews_ on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/BkTSkxfghf0
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20554810-aj-andrews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/16b87280c5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2018-06-21T21:14:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** A.J. Andrews (@aj_andrews_) — https://gondola.cc/aj_andrews_

## Caption

The WHY: these nasty, derogatory and just completely disheartening comments that were recently spoken about me is why I chose to do the magazine. Female athletes are consistently criticized for their appearance by society. It was these very comments spoken to me when I was younger that made me want to shield my arms, not lift too heavy all to please people like this. When I got to college I realized the value and beauty in my muscles and how I needed them to be the best athlete I wanted to be. I could either listen to the words of people who didn’t matter or chase my dreams and reach my full potential which would take training harder and lifting more. I know so many people that shield their beautiful selves because they are afraid of what others will think and or say.
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It took me a long time to love myself and I’m so proud that these words don’t affect me anymore but someone out there is still hurting and hiding their beautiful bodies, strong, small, large, whatever because of hateful comments like these. I embrace who I am and honestly LOVE the way I look and the skin I’m in and the magazine captured that. I strive to hopefully encourage someone else to look at themselves as works of art and to love everything about who they are!
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Our muscles are BEAUTIFUL! Our strength is BEAUTIFUL! I am BEAUTIFUL! You are BEAUTIFUL! When we reach our goals the people talking about us now will be those congratulating us in the end! Be you! .
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#beyou #beproud #bebeautiful #strongwomen #strong #muscles #loveyourself #love #athlete #softball #strength

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 3,059
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- **Comments:** 235

## Tags

softball, love, beyou, strongwomen, muscles, loveyourself, bebeautiful, athlete, beproud, strong, strength

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