You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself

by Bretman Rock

There is so much power in acceptance. Acceptance created the bad bitch I am today.

If there’s one thing about Filipinos, no matter what we’re going through, in general, we’re going to find the silver lining. Instead of complaining, we know the skies will eventually clear up and life goes on.

What I’m trying to say is, learn your history, honor your traditions, but also keep your eyes and ears open for what maybe needs a little updating and zhuzhing up. And appreciate your uniqueness. We all don’t need to look like the same brand of white—we have to have diversity in this world, even if the media doesn’t celebrate it.

The best primer, the best thing to start with, is your own self-fucking-confidence, and an understanding of who you are. Because if you build your makeup over your insecurities, you’re just going to be a pretty, insecure person.

I would definitely say the number one lesson here is: No second chances. If somebody gives you red flag after red flag, there’s a reason for it. You have to go. It’s literally like that easy. Just bounce. Save yourself early.

“Let me be dumb and young for now.”

You don’t ever forget your loved ones. You learn to live with them not being there. It takes time, but it’s doable. If there’s anything I’ve learned about being a bad bitch, it’s that pain can be your friend. Don’t run away, the pain only chases you longer. Let it move through you and heal from it.