Embracing My Scars: Self-Acceptance & Empowerment Journey (Mattapoisett, MA)

 

 

Hi, for those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m Cindy Ko. My journey with scars began as a toddler after a pot of hot noodle soup left me with severe burns. Though I don’t remember the incident, my mother’s quick actions and her stories of that day have deeply influenced me.

Growing up, my mom taught me to embrace my scars, and for the most part, I did. While there were moments of self-doubt and hurtful comments, I refused to let my scars define me. They were symbols of my strength and resilience.

One significant moment that further reinforced my perspective was an encounter during my time working in retail. A mother and daughter walked in, and the young girl had a scar similar to mine. I took the opportunity to speak with her after her mom told me her story and how she felt embarrassed of her scars, offering words of encouragement and telling her how beautiful she was just the way she was. That moment of connection made me realize that I had the power to make a difference in someone else’s life by sharing my story and promoting self-acceptance.

This realization led me to start a photography series to celebrate the beauty that goes beyond surface appearances, especially when it comes to women and especially as we age. The See Me As I Am series aims to showcase women in general to be you, to showcase whatever parts of you, personality, scars, life, anything you want it to be. Through this newest series I want you to see yourself as you are – whatever that means to you, whatever journey you are on, and whichever part of yourself you want to represent.

So, I invite you to join me in this journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. Let’s show the world that we are all human, with unique stories that deserve to be celebrated. Together, we can break free from the constraints of society’s beauty standards and embrace the beauty that radiates from within. Let us be proud of who we are and where we come for, for they are a testament to our resilience and our ability to rise above life’s challenges. Together, we can change lives and inspire others to feel beautiful, just as they are.

 

 

 

To learn more about the See Me As I Am Series: Go here