It is important to remember that everybody on our planet has insecurities, whether those insecurities are about money, relationships or appearance. I know you’ve heard this aphorism before, but happiness begins inside of a person. There are beautiful people in our world that are miserable. I know you’ve heard that one too. But I know people who have struggled with acne almost their entire lives and they are happy. I am one of them.
To be happy in life you must accept yourself, acne scars and all. Be proud! I know, it’s easier said than done. Trust me, I was that person who would always become self-conscious about my appearance throughout my teen and into adult years. I still do from time to time. Eventually, I realized that people that really care about you will love you no matter what, regardless of your acne scars or blemishes. It is usually you who stops people from giving you the love you deserve. You should love yourself, scars and all. That idea is the beginning of happiness.
If you struggle with insecurities about your scars, here are five great tips to help you feel proud of your scars:
1. Remember to love yourself
There are always people struggling with some kind of skin blemish. There are always advertisements suggesting that we must do this or do that in order to become a happy or successful person. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Your scars have no bearing on the kind of human being you are each day of your life, unless you give them that power. If you love who you are as a person, you will be proud of who you are.
2. Focus on yourself less
This concept may sound counterintuitive, but when a person does not make themselves their sole interest, they will be happier people. Try volunteering for a cause that you are interested in participating with. When you are working or volunteering for other people or organizations, you spend less time focusing on your insecurities. You will also learn that other people have problems as well, even if they’re not visible on the surface. By offering your services, you will care less about your problems, and feel proud about helping people.
3. Be Active
Exercise will improve the vitality of your life. The act of exercising will also get you off the couch or away from the mirror. If you are exercising, you are quite possibly meeting people and allowing endorphins to contribute to your level of happiness. If you stand in front of the mirror and stare at your scars all day in a negative light, you will likely become a self-loathing person with low self-esteem. The proper amount of exercise each day will enhance your self-esteem and improve your self-perception.
4. Have a thankful spirit
Take a moment in your busy life to feel your breath. Take a moment in your busy life to feel the breeze. Take a moment in your busy life to watch a sunset. Learning to appreciate other people or places will help you to appreciate yourself more. If you are staring at a beautiful sunset, it is hard to worry about your acne. If you are truly enjoying the breeze, you will forget about your scars. Be grateful for what you do have, and not what you don’t have.
5. Call your friends and family
Believe it or not, having strong relationships with your family and friends is actually a huge health benefit. And the best thing about family and friends? They don’t care about your scars as much as you do. They care about you as a person. Give them the benefit of the doubt! Call and express how you really feel about yourself. We can often believe that people will not understand our problems, but you will often find that people have the same issues as you, just in a different way. Learn how to be proud of yourself and you will begin to love yourself.
Written By: Preston Copeland