Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World

by Lizzie Velasquez, Catherine Avril Morris (With)

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316272469
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	03/13/2018
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	693,861
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Lizzie Velasquez is an internationally renowned motivational speaker with over half a million YouTube subscribers. She was also an executive producer of the documentary based on her life, A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The B-Word 1

1 Kindness Begins at Home 9

2 Hurt People Hurt People 19

3 Building Resilience 28

4 Are They or Aren't They? 37

5 How Do You Define Yourself? 53

6 The Myth of Positivity 66

7 Breakdown or Breakthrough! 81

8 How a Dog Named Ollie Saved My Life 98

9 The Knowing 103

10 Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover 113

11 The Cape Comes Off 126

12 The Truth About Strength 135

13 Faith, God, the Universe, and Weird Miracles 145

14 The Right Kind of Selfish 161

15 It's Up to Us 167

16 This Is My Lottery 177

Conclusion: Dare to Be Kind: A Call to Action 188

Acknowledgments 191

What People are Saying About This

author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do - Amy Morin

"Lizzie Velasquez's courage and compassion shine through as she shares her inspirational journey. No matter what challenges you face in life, Dare to Be Kind can help you find the strength to overcome them."

Co-Founder of Handel Group and author of Maybe It's You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life - Lauren Zander

"Lizzie Velasquez is proof that the only way to make a dream happen is to believe in it. No matter what anyone says—especially the voice in your own head. She dares us to be kind to each other, love ourselves, and become the cheerleader in our own life's story."

Editorial Reviews

"[A] heartfelt and powerful treatise about the importance of being kind, gleaned from first-hand experience...Readers will be inspired by Velasquez's resilient spirit."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Lizzie Velasquez is making our culture a kinder one by encouraging people to undermine hate through self-acceptance and everyday acts of empathy. Her heart and humor shine through on every page!"—Lilly Singh, entertainer, comedianand author of How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life

"Lizzie's story should be mandatory reading for everyone. It's powerful, inspirational, and will leave you with hope that there is good in this world; Lizzie is leading that movement with her words and passion."—Justine Ezarik, author of The New York Times bestseller I,Justine: An Analog Memoir

"Lizzie is a true inspiration with a powerful and positive message. In a world where anyone can be bullied online, her story and insightful advice are the perfect guide to finding your own way."—Rosanna Pansino, author of the New York Times bestsellerNerdy Nummies Cookbook

"Eschewing victimhood, Velasquez argues that everyone struggles with valleys in life and though her valley is rarer, it is no different in depth and impact.
This is a wonderful and fast read, full of vitality that captures the luminous spirit of kindness that
Velasquez so beautifully embodies."—Booklist

"Lizzie Velasquez's courage and compassion shine through as she shares her inspirational journey. No matter what challenges you face in life, Dare to Be Kind can help you find the strength to overcome them."—Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do

"Lizzie Velasquez is proof that the only way to make a dream happen is to believe in it. No matter what anyone says—especially the voice in your own head. She dares us to be kind to each other, love ourselves, and become the cheerleader in our own life's story."—LaurenZander, Co-Founder of Handel Group and author of Maybe It's You: Cut theCrap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life

"Lizzie Valasquez touched me. And I'm so glad she did. (Take this in the least creepiest way possible.) Her story, her strength and her kindness are not only inspirational to me, but to millions. And to millions more! This incredible book needs to come with every bedside table, coffee table and school desk around."—Liza Koshy, comedian and social media personality

"I dare to be more like Lizzie! People full of love and light are the ones that are setting the bar for all of us. Dare to Be Kind is incredible and I'm so excited to see what else is in store for this lovely lady! Spread love always."—Miles McKenna, actor, comedian and LGBTQ+activist

"Lizzie's message of spreading kindness and positivity is one that speaks to all ages. I loved Dare to Be Kind!"—AmymarieGaertner, actress, dancer andsocial media personality

From the Publisher

★ 01/23/2017
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. Agent: Cassie Hanjian, Waxman Leavell Literary. (June)

Publishers Weekly