I think scars are cool.
They come in all shapes and sizes and colours and are all completely unique. Most importantly however, they tell stories.
I love stories and I love learning about other people’s personal stories. I guess that is partly the reason for why I am writing this blog – because I enjoy telling people about my experiences and hope I am giving inspiration to others with similar ones. (Besides, if I didn’t enjoy it, I’d be a bit of a nutter exposing all of these embarrassing pictures of myself!) …… Alright, maybe I am a bit of a nutter 😛
But anyway … here is a little photo gallery of scars sourced from, you guessed it, my body!
* They all have their own stories too!
* This little one on my wrist was from when I was a toddler and burnt myself on the iron. I don’t remember it but apparently I hid myself and kept it all a secret because I thought I’d get into trouble!
* This one on my forearm is from the oven shelf as I reached in to get a cake out!
* The little bobbly pink bit on my elbow is from when I fell off my bike on the way to school one day. At the time my body didn’t have the reserves to heal effectively so as a result I still have the evidence of my clumsy fall today!
** The purple skin on my knee is also from the same accident!
These scars have all been pretty minor.
BUT THERE’S MORE!
Just when my body thought it had been through it all, I noticed a curve in my spine. It wasn’t painful but when I bent down I looked something like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. One shoulder blade would protrude much more than the other and my rib cage was twisted. The curve got progressively worse over time until the only option was surgery. This led to the biggest scar of them all…
The curve, BEFORE
and AFTER
The condition was called Scoliosis and the surgical procedure was called spinal fusion. Two titanium rods were used to support the new alignment of my spine and some nasty looking screws keep them in place! (they are still in me and are still keeping things straight!)
I am now going to show you my painful time recovering in hospital!
* Coming round with my sister and best friend beside me
** learning to walk again with my new back brace on for support
*** my lovely aunt helping me into the car on my discharge day
**** I also lost quite a bit of weight during this time, you may be able to tell.
This next one is a bit gruesome… be aware!
This was a couple of days after the surgery….
And this is NOW! – Barely there!
… it does look pretty epic when I press my shoulder blades together though!
So, as you can see, I’ve had my fair share of scars – both physical and mental – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I have grown so much as a person because of them and have learnt to see the beauty in them overtime. (they are also great conversation starters!)
Show your scars. Wear them with a smile on your face.
Be BRAVE.
* but don’t be stupid and create opportunities to get scars – if you know what I mean!
Love xxx
The Honest Life 