6 Things I've Learned From Having a Facial Birthmark

I am going to start this blog post with what I initially was going to end this post with. But it is so important.

Now I’m not saying I would be a mean person, or a tough or a judging person, without my birthmark, because that’s still just not who I am. but I definitely recognize more the good in people, the importance of self-love, and how much I love helping others. This birthmark has helped me figure out who I am.

I am confident, I am sweet, I am humble, I am blessed. I am me. And most of all, I am happy. This birthmark has taught me more about life and love than I could ever imagine.

For those of you who aren’t too sure how they feel about their birthmark, or for the parents who are worried about their children, trust me when I say there is so much to learn, so much to be taught, about having a birthmark. It can be a tough journey, but it can also be so rewarding. And it all starts with learning to love who you are inside and out first.

I believe if you love yourself first, the love of your differences will follow.

What has my birthmark taught me? That has been a roller coaster ride! Of course, everyone has things they may not like about themselves. Growing up, I honestly didn’t really care much about my birthmark, until I was in middle school and kids started judging, and I was at the age when I took everything I heard personally.

From growing up not caring about my birthmark, to seeing myself as not “normal” because of society’s reasoning, has been tough. Going from hating my birthmark to loving it has been quite a journey. And let’s face it (pun intended), it has not been easy.

Once I accepted my birthmark, one day I stopped and thought to myself, what has this taught me? I mean, isn’t that what happens? You go through trial in life and you learn a lesson, right? Was was this lesson?

Nothing stood out to me at first. Nothing happened overnight, so I wanted to see what I’ve learned over the past few years.

1. Finding the beauty in everyone. If I looked at myself differently, did I look at others differently? I kept that question in my mind that week as I went out to do errands, shop, and see some friends. I looked at others, studied them. How did I feel? What did I notice about them?

As I was checking out at Target buying way too many unnecessary toys for my toddler (but I can’t help it, he’s just so cute!), the woman in front of me had bright purple and teal hair. I loved it, so I gave her a compliment, and we had a nice conversation. She told me all about her kids and how they think she’s super-mom with her cool hair. She mentioned my birthmark and I told her about it. She said she knows what is like to be judged, but she thought my birthmark was beautiful.

Later that week, I realized every person I talked to, I never cared what they looked like. I didn’t care about their appearance or what kind of clothes they wore. I saw them for their true selves.

2. I’m more compassionate than ever. I am able to understand tough times. I understand what it’s like to be bullied. I understand what it’s like to be different. I am able to use my own experiences to help others because I’ve been there. That’s why I have my blog. I am so compassionate and love my readers so much, and I want to do everything I can to help those who are struggling to find peace and love for who they are and their differences.

3. Self-confidence. This newfound self-confidence has changed my life and made all these other learning experiences possible. This is by far the most life-changing blessing I have gained.

4. Humility. I am confident and brave, but I am humble. I never think of myself as anything higher than others. I am modest and understanding of others and their situations. I’ve learned I take the time to listen to others and try to understand them.

5. Who my true friends are. I covered my birthmark through all my high school years, and that’s one of my biggest regrets. I had some great friends and some not-so-great friends. I dated some great guys and some not-so-great guys. I am positive I could have weeded out the jerks who only cared about looks and the friends who only saw what was skin-deep and nothing more.

That right there would have been such a great blessing, but unfortunately I never realized that in high school. But I’ve learned that now, and I am thankful for those who love me for who I am.

6. God’s role in my life. If you’re not religious, that’s OK, but in my own personal experience, I’ve come to know and love God so much through this journey. I cried to him when times were tough. I recognized my many blessing when my prayers were answered, and I know without a doubt that I could not have done this without him. Every trial I have gone through, I believe he has put up a roadblock to help me overcome it.

Now it took me a while to realize all of this, and, no, life does not become easy even when you do realize all of this. But it has made me look at life differently. It has carved and shaped the woman I am today.

It all starts with taking your time at your own pace to come to love your true self with or without a birthmark.

Did you learn anything from this post? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to my new YouTube channel!