Scarred over Scared - Chapter Four
“I rather be scarred than scared of living life”- Commodore Val Jones.
I came up with this quote and life lesson on my 7th day of my over 45 day stay in the hospital from a near deadly fire I was involved in. I was in search of finding a positive reason why this was happening to me, then I realized from Chapter 3 of my life lessons “Happiness is a choice, always choose it. “ that this wasn’t happening to me, it was happening for me.
Let’s explore the power of choosing strength and resilience over fear, embracing the philosophy of being scarred rather than scared of living life. Join me as I share my personal experience of finding positivity and purpose amidst adversity, and the profound lessons that have shaped my outlook on life.
Chapter 1: Embracing Resilience
Adversity has a way of revealing our inner strength. As a burn survivor, I faced unimaginable challenges and physical pain. Yet, through it all, I discovered a wellspring of resilience within myself. I learned that scars can be physical reminders of our ability to endure, heal, and emerge stronger than ever. By embracing resilience, I transformed my scars from symbols of trauma into badges of honor, reminding me of my unwavering spirit.
Chapter 2: Finding Purpose in Pain
Amidst the darkest moments, I yearned for a sense of purpose. At a certain time during my hospitalization I was told from my doctors I was on more drugs than any of the patients in the entire hospital. I was put under every two-three days by an anesthesiologist for countless surgeries, skin grafts and cleaning of my burns using ketamine. So I was constantly in and out of what they call a K-hole, which really allowed me to connect with my inner soul more than ever.I searched for meaning in my suffering and discovered that my experience had the potential to inspire others. I realized that my journey could serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to find strength and resilience within themselves. From that realization, I embarked on a mission to share my story and advocate for burn survivors, empowering them to rise above their scars and live fulfilling lives.
Chapter 3: Happiness as a Choice
During my hospital stay, I had an epiphany that happiness is a choice, regardless of the circumstances. Despite the immense pain and numerous surgeries, I chose to focus on gratitude, love, and the beauty that still surrounded me. I learned that happiness does not depend on external factors but rather on the internal mindset we cultivate. By embracing happiness as a choice, I transformed my perspective and opened myself up to a world of possibilities.
Chapter 4: Living Life Unafraid
Through my journey, I discovered that being scarred is far more empowering than being scared. I realized that fear is limiting and inhibits us from fully experiencing life. By embracing our scars, both visible and invisible, we reclaim our power and live life unafraid. We embrace vulnerability, take risks, and seize every opportunity for growth and joy. I learned that true freedom comes from accepting our scars and using them as a catalyst for personal transformation.
As a burn survivor, I have come to understand the invaluable life lessons that have shaped my perspective on resilience, purpose, happiness, and fear. I learned to stop concerning myself over the future scars and start being grateful for the fact that I was still alive. We must love and embrace our scars and failures rather they be are physical or emotional over being scared of even trying to live life fully and going after your dreams.
We must find the beauty in all of our scars, inside and out because our scars tells our life stories and things we have overcome and survived. Scars are a testament of living our life book, it shows our strength, depth and shows that you are a survivor! Let’s not be afraid of living because each day isn’t promised and we have no time or need to feel ashamed or to try to hide our scars which are the very thing that make use more beautiful.
By choosing to be scarred rather than scared, I have discovered the strength within me to overcome adversity and inspire others along the way. I invite you to embrace your own scars, both literal and metaphorical, and choose resilience, purpose, and happiness as guiding principles in your life. Remember, it is through embracing our scars that we unlock the true essence of our humanity and live life to its fullest.
