How I'm Finding Self-Worth as a Woman With a Physical Disability

For those of you who don’t know much about McCune Albright syndrome, it’s an extremely rare bone condition. I have struggled with confidence issues for as long as I can remember because of this condition.

I have always tried to hide my vulnerabilities from the outside world. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. At the end of the day, many of us just have to figure things out.

Take me, for example. I have struggled with confidence for as long as I can remember, from being a young girl to making friends in high school. I’m a woman in her late 40s who is still trying to fit in.

Self-worth plays a significant role in many women’s lives — especially when it comes to dating. I can’t tell you how many times I have tried to make plans for a date — only to cancel due to my fear of rejection. I guess my fear or rejection has played a key role in how I dealt with dating. I have always felt that men would never accept me for who I am. I now realize that I need to get to a point in my life where I truly appreciate myself.

I have always thought that I need to be a “perfect” woman in order for a man to love me. Growing up with a visible disability, though, has made me realize that no matter what my flaws may be, I am still worthy of love.