I am a 28-year-old female. For as long as I can remember, I have had stretch marks. I didn’t realize what they were until I got to college; I was covered in them on my back, thighs, calves, and bum. I never wore dresses or shorts because I wanted to hide them from others. I felt so embarrassed and depressed about having so many. Whenever I saw other girls wearing shorts and dresses, my insecurities grew. I tried creams and lotions, but nothing seemed to help. I attempted to manifest my desired skin many times but failed.

I used to see myself as a victim, believing I would suffer for the rest of my life. But I knew that wasn’t truly me. I am someone who is confident, loved, and grateful for my body. I began to reflect on why I felt insecure and discovered that I had childhood trauma. I often felt beneath everyone else. My parents used to fight, and I constantly found myself in a victim mentality, crying and feeling inadequate. I used to think I was average, and that’s why I had so many problems.

Then it hit me: it wasn’t my skin that needed healing; it was me, from the inside, addressing both my past and present issues. I let go of control and negative self-talk. I started to see myself like everyone else, with clear skin, and began to feel proud of my body. I realized that I wasn’t wishing for something special; our bodies are meant to be healthy. I moved away from the negativity and allowed my body to function as it is meant to.

I want to share how I gradually let go of my limiting beliefs, but that isn’t the focus right now. I have healed—not in the traditional sense, but I have finally allowed my cells to feel love and happiness, and I am feeling those emotions too. I now have the skin and body I want. I am complete, not just half, but completely beautiful. I wear everything I’ve wanted to wear, feeling confident, gorgeous, loved, and proud of my body.

Thank you to the cells of my body, the universe, and myself for finally allowing me to feel love and joy. I will forever cherish this second chance.