A Different Take on Scars

Scars are typically viewed In American society as inward or outward signs of damage. Thus people who have physical or psychological scars are often viewed as "damaged goods." Not surprising then, is the fact that we spend hundreds and in some cases even thousands of dollars on products, services and procedures that will help rid us of any scars that we may have internally or externally.

This shallow view of scars is one that I find rather disturbing. It is a view that is not shared globally. In some parts of the world, scars are perceived as symbols of survival, strength and maturity. A scar may even indicate the successful completion of a rite of passage into adulthood. Standards of beauty and mental or physical health are drastically different around the world, and scars are worn in some cultures with pride and dignity.

If you are like the majority of people, you have at least one physical scar somewhere on your body. In all likelihood, that scar is a sign of healing. Whether you suffered an injury, had major surgery, or experienced anything that caused some form of trauma to your body, your scar is a sign that your body has healed.

Likewise, if you were psychologically scarred by a traumatic event in your life, you can view this as a curse or an opportunity. Traumatic events tend to alter perceptions and behaviors and create additional challenges in one's life. If we live to tell about them however, then we are blessed to be survivors.

This is not at all to say that we should ignore all internal or external scars, for some (especially the psychological ones) can interfere with our daily functioning and impair our relationships with ourselves and with others. However, to judge oneself or another person harshly because of the scars that one carries is a huge mistake. Scars pale in comparison to the beauty of life and the opportunity to live to see another day. They help provide us with interesting stories to share with others, valuable learning lessons and wisdom to pass down to future generations. But most of all, they are signs that we have survived.