#Show your Scars
Until recently I have never experienced the uplifting power of vulnerability. Ever since I was young I was convinced that my own vulnerability was a weakness, and that once seen that way, you could never undo that perception in the eyes of others.
Photos by Leo Gozbekian
The butterflies tattooed on my originally cancer free chest represent to me the balance between strength and fragility. Referenced from a poem written by a Jewish prisoner in a concentration camp, it alludes to the fragile butterfly who had the strength to fly beyond the prison walls to kiss the world good bye. I inked this symbol permanently onto my skin over 20 years ago as a reminder to recognize my own strength despite the very fragility of human life. Never did I anticipate being faced with the depth of my personal challenge today.
Even more surprising is the strength that I derive every day from the love and support and comments from the people who are cheering me on, despite having bared my lowest moments and greatest fears. Or maybe because of it. Who knew that such vulnerability would elicit, not the judgement I was afraid of, but the most beautiful and supportive sentiments from others.
It is now selfishness that compels me to continue to write and share. Because without you, I don’t know if I could face this with any type of grace or composure. The goodwill is overwhelming in the best possible way. I cry today not because of the cancer, but because of the fullness I feel from the kindness and love I have received.
For my husband’s 50th birthday he partnered with the Scars Foundation, a non profit founded by Sully Erna and Godsmack, to raise awareness of the mental health issues that are rampant in the world today. Through their outreach, fundraisers and concerts, they are able to donate money to a multitude of organizations that provide resources for people experiencing any kind of mental health challenges.
The entire premise of their organization is to allow yourself to be vulnerable - without judgement - in order to get help, to show your scars whether mental or physical, and to embrace them proudly as a part of your personal journey.
“These illnesses, imperfections that make us all feel insecure or unworthy, are what we call scars. And whether they’re emotional or physical scars, we want you to look at them as nothing more than what you’ve survived. They’re your battle wounds from life. So rather than stuff them down, and continue to suffer in silence, you should show your scars loudly and proudly. Let them empower you to tell your stories, encourage others to tell their stories. That’s how we’re going to make a difference.” — Sully Erna
So now I show my scars, so that not only can I heal, but so that I might encourage others to share their own pain, to embrace the support they receive and to empower other people to do the same.