If you’ve ever loved someone, worked for something, or lost anything, chances are you’ve got scars to prove it. These scars can run deep. So deep, in fact, that some don’t even scratch the surface. Literally. In Lori’s case, the scar on her ankle was not what was crippling her self-esteem, but rather, it was the fear of how that scar was perceived by others.

Perception is nothing more than a lens we choose to look through. Whether looking at a scar, a relationship, or even a dress made out of a garbage bag, everyone has the opportunity to see things differently. The way we perceive our own scars will often dictate the way others see them. As Padma put it, a scar should be worn as a “badge of survival”; not something to be ashamed of.

Lori needed to realize that the scar is something she cannot control. It is a part of her for life. Yes, people can be mean and judgmental, but most of the time, they will feed off of your energy. If you don’t see your emotional/physical battle wounds as embarrassing, shameful, or ugly, chances are, most people won’t, either.

You cannot control how you are perceived. You can only control how you are presented.

Until next time…

Loveubye,

Jared