What does it mean to love ourselves completely? Is it possible to define this famous line between accepting ourselves and truly loving ourselves? In the past few years, I had a lot of trouble keeping my self-confidence, even though it seemed so accessible to me when younger... It's ironic to believe that the judgment of others will never affect us; one day or another, we all end up worrying about it and our existence becomes incomprehensible at this specific moment.

This wacky midlife crisis many people face when they’re getting older will always fascinate me. Their existence no longer seems as thrilling to them as when they were younger and their life was simpler. At a young age, we live our life with such naivety that it almost becomes beautiful. In my case, even if I’m still far from forty, life has already given me a way to face my own crisis while growing up.

When I was 14, life seemed easier to me. The number of operations in my medical file appeared totally normal and my bag was just an integral part of my body. Over the years, I lost my self-confidence little by little. I began to look at myself in the mirror hanging on my wall and to hide myself more and more under a ton of clothes. Slowly, I stopped loving my scarred body. I wondered if I should be ashamed of having stopped loving myself. Concerns, doubts, fears and desperation are the enemies of our own acceptance.

That leads me to ask you if you really love yourself. Look in the mirror and never forget that your scars make you unique. I would like to provide you with some lovely philosophical phrases that seem believable and easy, but the truth is that the acceptance of your bag and scars won’t always be smooth. Don’t despair or be ashamed to give up, that's part of the process. At least, I can assure you that, with time, you’ll have extraordinary days and become amazed by this bumpy road you travelled.

One day at a time, you will be proud of your life and yourself. This moment of pride is worth every hesitation you have experienced before. Always remember that every scar deserves to be admired.

Never stop hoping, because hope makes us live.

Kimberly