there is beauty in my … birthmark
When I was born, doctors were incredibly concerned with this enormous birthmark on the small of my back. For years they tested it to be sure it wasn’t malignant. Thankfully there were never any problems. But each year I grew older, I despised the blemish more. As a teenager, I would buy only bathing suits that covered it, and if anyone spotted it, I was mortified. I even visited the dermatologist in the hopes of having it removed, but the doctor told me the process would leave a significant scar.
Only in the past few years have I learned to appreciate the birthmark. I no longer care if people see it on the beach or it peeks out during yoga class. It might be unconventional, but it’s me.
*During the process of taking this photo, I obviously had to view my figure many times. While incredibly uncomfortable, I can already feel it forcing me to look at myself in a new way.
The In Pursuit of Beauty Project documents my journey of learning to view myself as beautiful.
