Is it possible to accept what’s known as a disease that you develop as a child, a teenager, or even an adult? Have you ever felt your imperfections define who you are? Your differences, no matter how they are viewed by others, make you unique and who you are today!
Imperfections Are Part of What Makes You Beautiful
I developed a skin condition called vitiligo at the young age of 11. My once “normal” appearing skin began to lose its skin pigmentation, resulting in white spots on my body. This spread rapidly to the point that I have white spots on a large percentage of my body.
One person may view my vitiligo as a flaw. I feel my vitiligo has helped me grow as a person and become more accepting of others. I’m able to see the inner and outer beauty of others when some may not.
My wonderful husband, Tom, tells me he loves my vitiligo and thinks it’s beautiful. This isn’t because I ask about it or feel insecure … it’s how he truly feels. He doesn’t even remember me ever making it a big deal about talking about it when we were dating. I don’t remember being nervous to talk about it or even remember when I told him. I just know I told him what it was at some point when we were dating.
Do I Wish I Never Had Vitiligo?
You might ask me, do I wish I never had vitiligo? No. I’m grateful to have vitiligo, as it’s helped me develop my character and accept myself. It continues to give me confidence in who I am. My vitiligo is a reminder of my life’s journey, a reminder to myself that I can do anything and that I can accept more than I may think at times. Sure, there are times I’ve wanted to be free of vitiligo so I could model without restrictions. However, most of my life with vitiligo, I’ve been content and accepting of it.
Body Image with Vitiligo and Other Imperfections
Positive body image with vitiligo can be a difficult to master, but it is absolutely possible! One way I’ve accepted my vitiligo since I first developed it was by seeing it as a part of me … a part of me that was changing and growing just as I was as a person. I didn’t view it as a problem or that something was wrong with me.
I’ve talked mostly about vitiligo. However, this applies for any type of imperfection. Accept an imperfection as a part of you, something that you have, but something that doesn’t define you.
“Are Your Flaws Really Flaws?” Motivational Speech by Christina Chitwood
Embrace your imperfections! You never know how they could change your life for the better.
So great to see a vitiligo post … seems to be so rarely covered. I had a tiny amount as a young child but it started spreading rapidly when I was 17 and I now have very little pigment left. I had very pale celtic skin anyway so it kind of shows up in reverse with my pigmented areas having big freckles but isn’t now really obvious but at 17 it was very traumatic going through a phase of having a “panda” face.
Thanks so much for your comment, Alice! Thank you for sharing some of your story. I’m sorry to hear about your traumatic phase of “panda” face. I’m so happy to hear it’s now something that shows up less and you feel more comfortable with your vitiligo. Have a wonderful rest of your week! 🙂
So good to see a post on the effects on a persons self-steem if they have vitiligo.
Although the condition is a physical one, it is the mental effects that are the real problem.
very inspirational post.Your experience is really good and inspiration for others.accept your imperfection fully if you can’t change it.Good to read this post.
This is such a great article. I find most people wanting to hide away and stay clear of people that have vitiligo. keep up the positive messages and get people educated on this condition.
Very inspirational piece, It inspires the people like me who are having so many marks on the face. I hesitate to talk with others since I am not having beautiful face like them. I have seen great feedbacks of your blog . I will also try vitiligo 🙂
Thanks!