Sometimes i forget im a human with a body, not a play-dough that can be pressed and squeezed until it fits the predetermined mold this society has deemed 'beautiful'Yasha B |
Stretch marks; are indented streaks that usually appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, and other places on the body; they are not painful, not harmful, but often being considered unattractive, hence having the potential to lower one's self-esteem. It's no surprise that stretch marks have been looked upon as something we should cover, hide, or feel ashamed about. They are often deemed as flaws that we must correct in order to feel good about ourselves. However, this is completely wrong.
Stretch marks can appear on anyone, pregnant or not, teen or adult, women or men, regardless. Stretch marks develop when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly, in which the abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin to rupture. When this happens, it is the result of rapid body growth but not necessarily weight gain. Therefore, it's a completely normal condition as we grow up.
Underlining the fact that the cause of stretch marks is due to a natural process of how our body is evolving, it should be seen as a normal thing and not a flaw. We earned them by being human, and that should never be a bad thing. Stretch marks are beauty marks as they signify our transformation, a living proof that your body has endured all of your life's living, and a physical indicator that you have victoriously adapted.
Even though the appearance of stretch marks looks like a scar and has a different texture than our normal skin, they are unique accents to your body. Just like fingerprints, it's almost impossible for others to have the exact same stretch marks as you. It's something uniquely yours that is remarkably you.
Therefore, stretch marks are part of life and are not a negative feature that makes us imperfect. Instead, they are reminders that what may be deemed 'perfect' doesn't need to apply to us. So, don't go hiding those so-called flaws but embrace the special permanent lines engraved on any inch of your body.
(HAI/DIR)