Warning: I discuss topics like self-harming and depression in this article, which some people may have a hard time reading about. If you are sensitive to these topics it may be a good idea to check out another article of mine! (like the one about toddlers, they're so cute!)

I am 3 years clean from self-harming.

I struggled with an addiction to cutting for 7 years, and I have my fair share of scars to prove it. When I went into recovery, I never thought I would see a day when I was "comfortable" talking about my scars or my story. I always wanted to hide it away so that no one knew, that way, no one could use it against me if they so chose.

However, after being in recovery for a few months something changed. I felt that I no longer needed to hide my story or my struggle, and that recovery was a process that I was proud to be apart of. I wanted to help other people who may have gone through or were going through a situation that was similar to mine, I knew that to someone else, I could be the help that I so desperately needed during my struggle.

On my one year recovery date, I came clean to the whole world. I shared my story, my struggles, and how proud I was that I had made it a whole year without engaging in self-harm. I came to accept my body how it was, and I stopped focusing so much on what other people could or would think of me. I was, and still am completely comfortable with my scars and what they mean.

That being said, just because I show my scars does not mean I don't have the right to be uncomfortable when you ask me about them. Of course if you're someone that I've told my story to many times, or you are a friend that has seen me through hard times, I'll be more comfortable to talk about them; but do not dismiss my right to be shy or to not want to speak about certain elements if you ask.

Also, do not think you have the right to point them out in private, public, or anything in-between. There is nothing that makes me more uncomfortable than when I'm trying to just wear a cute bathing suit or a crop top and someone points to my stomach and says "what are those?" or "why do you have all those marks?" It's almost like when you're wearing a really cute dress and you feel all pretty and then someone says "why do your boobs look like that?" or if a guy is comfortable showing his chest and someone asks "do your muscles always look like that?"

It puts you on the spot and I instantly feel uncomfortable. I never really know how to respond to questions like that, because of course I don't want to turn to them and say "well I was addicted to cutting myself for 7 years and these are the leftover reminders" because that would make it insanely awkward.

Since summer is right around the corner I thought it would be a good idea to give a little insight as to what some people may be dealing with during these hot summer months. People who are in recovery may be in the process of accepting their scars when you see them on the beach, at the pool, at a concert, or even on the sidewalk. Please for the sake of avoiding awkwardness, don't point them out unless you know that person can talk about it. That will make everyone a happy camper, beach-goer, concert junkie, and enjoy the summer to the fullest!