I’ve heard countless stories of people using every product imaginable to get rid of their stretch marks. Stretch marks happen gradually and one day they’re just there. These marks are caused by the rapid gaining or losing weight, in some cases, it also happens when your growth spurt comes. The stigma on stretch marks was brought upon by societal beauty standards or media’s portrayal of beauty. There are a lot of celebrities that show off their stretch marks with no shame whatsoever. Their confidence is the ideal feeling for one to have, in my case, someday I wish I’d love my stretch marks.

Stretch marks are caused by puberty and growth. Some days I think of it as a reminder that I’m constantly growing, learning and developing into the best that I could be. Every day I stare at myself in the mirror waiting for that feeling of self love in my own skin, yet it feels like it’s miles away. Although countless people think nothing of it, I think highly of them. The embarrassment of not being able to wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts, the discomfort of being in a swimsuit or the awkward first encounter by person B and my stretch marks is humiliating.Summer days are the worst. It’s the perfect time to wear your shorts and tank tops. Perfect time to take a dip in the pool and enjoy the feeling, yet how can you enjoy yourself if the only thing in your mind is the idea of being imperfect. Some days I imagine my life without them, thinking about how much I could love myself even more. Being comfortable in my own skin was never in the picture.

Though I vow that one day, I will grow and love my tiger stripes. I will not give an ounce of care on who sees them and what they think of it. I will love myself even more without even knowing I could love myself to that extent. I will accept my stretch marks with the best of my abilities and I will not beat myself up for it. I will do whatever it takes to be comfortable with my skin. Someday, I’ll be able to wear my favorite swimsuit with no shame. Someday, I will love my body.

Your definition of beauty may be different, but your beauty is unique. Under everything else you’re still beautiful, standards or no standards. Rock your tiger stripes, flaunt your skin and show them how you roar.