We want perfectly smooth skin, flat stomach, long legs (plus a list of things for our bodies) But in real life, what we have is sometimes different from what we want. Stretchmarks are one of them. There are of course cosmetics that claim to make them magically disappear but the truth is, they are so deep under the skin that it is not possible to remove them completely. I know, it’s just frustrating… But on the good note, stretch marks have more meaning other than just being the lines that should be kept hidden. And this is a list of why you should embrace those beautiful scars on your body.
1. We earned them.
They don’t appear since birth but we earned them throughout our lives by being a human. We have bones, blood and skin that keeps us alive and we should be grateful for it. Having stretch marks is nothing to be worried about compared to having severe diseases that could suck your life anytime. Stretchmarks just remind you to take care of your body by maintaining a healthy weight and that’s it. For women who have undergone a pregnancy it is like a batch of honor showing your bravery and the love for your child. Stretch marks are part of the symbols that define a woman who has blood, feelings and emotions.
2. They make us stronger.
We get more mature by having them. We learn to accept the imperfections in life. In fact, life is not supposed perfect. It is not fair for everyone either. We all would have that missing piece even if we were a billionaire who is strikingly gorgeous. Yet we can never be complacent with what we have. And that is a good thing because life is about pushing yourself. We will try to change what we can and accept what we cannot. And stretch marks are one of the things which you have to learn to accept. By this way, we even get tougher from having the ability to resist that painful remark reeling inside your head about your stretch marks.
3. They motivate us.
Nothing is stronger than the will to change the way we were before when it comes to fitness and health. I am not saying that looks define who you are. What I am saying is that having stretch marks may push you through the last rep of the circuit or increase the weights a bit more when working out. And when you look back when day when you have made a huge transformation to both your body and mind with healthy living, you will be so proud of the stretch marks that showed you the journey and where you have come from.
4. They make us love ourselves more.
It’s easy to love yourself when you have got a perfect body. But what’s harder is to truly love yourself to the fullest when you don’t think you look perfect. You won’t be convinced when I say you are “already perfect” because there is always that girl who you think looks better than you. But remember that you can try to change the way you are and most importantly, how you feel about yourself. Love and respect your body to the fullest. The definition of perfection is abstract; what you define as perfect may not be the same as someone else's. And keep in mind that judging yourself from stretch marks is just shallow since they do not really define who you are.
5. They show that nothing lasts forever.
Your skin may once be perfect but you will find out that it no longer is when you have stretch marks. But nobody can’t maintain that perfect skin forever. You will age and get wrinkly skin as you get old. Your arms will get saggy and your eyes will get blurry with age. Nothing is permanent in life. What is important is to make the best out of it – through every stage of your life by seeking happiness, showing love and trying the best for ourselves. And one day you will realize why those little stretch marks have so much meaning to your life and they deserve your love, just as every other part of you.
