Did you realize that a "scar" isn't just a mark left on your body? Yes, if you look up the definition of the word scar then you might find that is says, "a mark left by a healed wound, sore, or burn." But if you search a little harder you will also find the definition says, "a lasting after effect of trouble, especially a lasting psychological injury resulting from suffering or trauma." I am here to personally tell you that both definitions are 100% true. If you look at my body you will see several visible scars, and I can tell you the story of every one. From the scar on my chin that I got the first day I learned to ride my bike without training wheels... and ended up falling off (no surprise there) to my most recent scar on my right thigh from a muscle biopsy.

But I don't just have all these visible marks on my body, I also have the deeper ones. The ones that no one can see on the outside. The scars that continue to stay hurting even longer after they have turned into what you would consider a scar. I am not one that likes people being able to see when I am hurting. Most of the time when people are looking, I have a smile on my face. I wouldn't consider it a fake smile, but I also am not happy 24/7. I have a past that haunts me... one that I still have nightmares about. One that has made me build walls and guard myself. I used to be really ashamed of what happened to me, until I realized it has made me who I am. I am a strong, determined, hard headed woman. This one scar has led me to have a testimony and whenever I feel like someone needs to hear my story because they are going through the same, then I will share it with them.

Whether you went through a breakup that tore you apart at the time, like I have, or you have lost someone to what seems like an unfair death, again like I have... You will get through it. Right now I am currently going through something that WILL leave a huge scar, both visibly and mentally. Learning how to walk again is not something I would have chosen to happen but it did.. and I am going to work past it. Every needle prick, every piece of muscle taken, every cut from falling.. they are all going to leave a mark that will be an amazing story when I get older. I want to show people that you do not have to be ashamed of your scars. They make you unique, they make you, well, YOU. They hurt when they are forming and sometimes the pain feels like it is never going to end. I promise you, it will.

So.. for everyone out there fighting something that they feel like is going to tear them apart, please don't give up. Don't let these scars just be scars, think of them as your battle wounds. And when you see them, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed, think of the fight that you went through to get them and realize that you made it out.