When people think of scars they think of them in terms of marks on the body that should be hidden, covered up, faded and removed. The word “scar” itself has a simultaneous negative connotation as something that is ugly or frightening, and a powerful meaning of looking like someone who shouldn’t be messed with. When you search the term “scar” in the dictionary, its synonyms include “disfigurement”, “flaw” and “defect”, while it’s antonyms include “perfection” and “strength." The way that we, as a society view scars makes them seem like something to be ashamed of. One thing that I have learned as someone who has multiple scars from back surgeries is that there are many more people that have scars than you think. It took me seven years to realize that scars are not something to be embarrassed of, and having scars does not mean that there is less of you to love. There are many ways that we acquire scars, and not a single one of them are shameful or wrong. So, here are some different ways of understanding scars to bring awareness to the scar issue.

1. Strength

Scars are proof of the fact that you were strong enough to overcome the obstacle that gave you those scars. They are reminders of growth and life.

2. Living Proof

Scars are like tattoos but with better stories. Own those stories and recognize that although those scars do not define you, they have helped make you the wonderful, confused, interesting person you are. No one comes out of life as a blank canvas.

3. Beauty

The things that make us different as human beings are the things that make us uniquely beautiful. Instead of being afraid to show the world your scars, know that they do not make you less beautiful.

4. Support

When I was struggling with my understanding of my scars, I wish that someone had told me I was not alone. I felt so alienated from my body and my friends because they could wear a bathing suit without people staring or asking questions. Scars are a shared experience, and they are not representative of something that is lost.

5. Confidence

I have learned to embrace my scars and to feel confident in my own skin; all the freckles, bruises, and scars that come along with it. Even though you may not feel confident all the time, do not let your scars become something to be embarrassed of.

I wanted to write about this because I want people to be proud of being exactly who they are. It has become impossible to achieve the standards which people try to live up to as the result of social media, where people, particularly girls, measure their worth based on image, weight, or the achievement of a thigh gap.

Every body is different and therefore every body is beautiful in its own way. I used to want to hide my scars because I didn’t want to show that I was weak, but I’ve come to realize that they have made me stronger. I’m proud of the person that I’m becoming, and it’s not because of the size of my waist or the presence of my scars. People need to spend more time supporting each other instead of tearing others down and giving into comparison. Spread love and positivity :)