Acne Awareness Month

I was 10 when I got first pimple.

I remember it so vividly. Sitting in Mrs.Clarke’s 5th grade class and someone asked me what was on my face. And from that moment forward, acne was the only thing I could see when looked in the mirror.

I often wonder how my life would’ve been different had I not had acne. How would I have shown up in the world? How would I have carried myself? How would others have perceived me? Your teenage years are so vital, and they feel so defining....how would things be different?

But I know that it isn’t quite that simple. Because even though it felt like acne plagued me for most of my life, it brought me to where I am in this moment. That probably sounds cliche as hell, but it’s true.

I wouldn’t have the pleasure of being connected with some of the most incredible souls virtually and in person. I wouldn’t have taken several opportunities that came my way that focused on learning about myself and working on my mental health. The list could go on and on and on...

But I’ll leave you with this. The things that bring you the most turbulence in life are often our greatest teachers. That’s not to say they aren’t tragic or often times debilitating. I hate the phrase “everything happens for a reason” but I do believe you can turn your pain into purpose. It’s not easy. It might take a lot of time and a lot of therapy to get there. But it’s possible.

This month does happen to be #acneawarenessmonth and I hope anyone out there living with acne knows your skin does not define you. It doesn’t dictate your worth. Only you can do that. You are worthy. You are brave. Keep going. It gets better ❤️