I noticed something amazing happens when you hold me up to the light…… You may see my broken places…but, you also see what makes me beautiful, because in those cracks are the stories of overcoming and standing strong. I have weathered many storms over the years.
It is because of those imperfections, I am who I am today…broken pieces and all. My scars tell my story. There was a time when I hid my scars, afraid of what others would think. My first time in recovery, I found my broken pieces were an inspiration to others. I was able to help other struggling addicts which in turn blessed me many times. Relapse made me feel as if those broken pieces should be hidden from the world. Afraid of what others would think. Comparing myself to others. I’m now learning to embrace those repeated mistakes and look at the additional cracks as more blessings.
My MS scars may be invisible to the world, but their effects are made real as I struggle to get through some days. There are days when I can’t walk more than a few steps on my own, changing the sheets on the bed is a fight, holding things in my left hand requires both hands.…but I keep fighting. I push on. I keep going. On good days, I over do then spend days resting and doing nothing. There is often a sea of tears, but I keep going.
Each of you have broken places and cracks too. Your mistakes and hurts are real, as well as your disability (if you have one), but so is your beauty. Let your beauty shine through and let your story inspire others. Just because you have cracks doesn’t mean you are worthless. Even if you are broken, you are a container of life, love, brilliance and beauty. Let those things spill out today.
Your story is in your scars and may be just what someone needs to hear in order to keep going. So, just for today I will be grateful for my scars and the cracks I have. I will stop worrying about what others think and let my light shine for all to see.
Hope Wissel 