I have a scar, a big physical scar that I grew up hiding. I don’t know why I hid it, but I guess it was out of shame, out of avoiding feeling inadequate, imperfect, not life other kids.
Like a chipped cup or plate, we hide it, when there are visitors, we don’t take it out and give it to visitors to use. It’s the same with scars, we hide them.
However, just like a chipped cup still serves its purpose, our scars are a part of who we are and can still contribute to our overall strength and beauty.
By denying them, we may be denying a part of ourselves and missing out on opportunities for growth and connection.
It’s a natural instinct to hide our scars and imperfections from others, in the hopes of avoiding difficult questions or judgments.
Scars, both physical and emotional, can be a source of shame and vulnerability for many people.
We may feel that our scars make us look weak or flawed, and we may worry that others will judge us harshly if they see them.
However, hiding our scars can also be a way of denying our own experiences and emotions.
By pretending that everything is okay and hiding our scars from others, we may be denying ourselves the opportunity to heal and grow from our experiences.
In many ways, our scars are a testament to our resilience and strength. They are a sign that we have overcome adversity and persevered through difficult times.
By hiding them away, we may be denying ourselves the chance to celebrate our own courage and triumphs.
Ultimately, the decision to share our scars with others is a personal one.
But it’s important to remember that we don’t have to go through life alone. Sharing our scars with trusted friends, family members, or professionals can be a powerful way to process our emotions, gain new perspectives, and receive support.
By being open and vulnerable about our scars, we may also inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of authenticity and acceptance that can help us all heal and grow together.
In the end, it’s not about hiding our scars or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about owning them, embracing them, and using them as a source of strength and inspiration.
The Japanese call it Kintsugi. This practice reflects the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which values the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.
It also represents the idea that brokenness and damage can be transformed into something new and valuable.
Just like a chipped cup can still be beautiful and useful, our scars can be a testament to our resilience and perseverance, and a reminder that we are all imperfect, yet still worthy of love and acceptance.
Now that I’m older, I’m fine with my scar, I don’t feel the need to hide it, I don’t flaunt it, but I don’t feel the need to hide anymore. I don’t feel inadequate or shame about my scar.
I’ve learned that my scar proves I’m stronger than what was supposed to hurt me.
We all have scars, physical or emotional, it’s understandable to want to hide them, but that it’s more liberating to let go of the feeling of shame and inadequacy.
Our scars are a part of your unique story, and they can be a source of strength and resilience.
rochemamabolo 