Let’s welcome Lyndsey back to the blog. Her journey to self acceptance is truly inspirational. She is beautiful inside and out; we are so grateful she continues to share her journey with us.
A milestone is defined as: “an action or event marking a significant change in development”. Within the past year, I’ve hit a milestone of self-acceptance.
Born without a fully developed thumb and after several surgeries, I became known as “the four finger girl” once I started school. Kids can be cruel and I quickly became ashamed of my hand and afraid of what comments or stares I’d encounter when out in public.
For decades, I’d try to not draw attention to it; hiding it in pictures, refusing to wear a watch or jewelry on my hand hoping no one would notice. After a lifetime of making jokes about my “ET” or “Crypt Keeper” hand (I may as well beat others to the punch), I’ve accepted that this is just me.
Two years ago, I bought an Apple Watch and have been wearing it on my right wrist. A little over a year ago, I bought my first ring to wear on my right ring finger DAILY.
At this photo shoot, I made the decision to wear this ring on my hand and no longer hide.
I didn’t know how accepting I was of myself until that moment. Unbeknown to me, I had been making small decisions towards this milestone over the past year or two-no longer being afraid of someone noticing my hand during a handshake when meeting someone new, not blushing and nervously laughing when someone asked what happened for the first time, and being able to tell my daughter my story when she said “mommy’s got a boo boo”.
Though this seems like a small and silly thing for someone to spend so much time thinking and worrying about, it’s a milestone for me…
…and just another part of my story.
**Love Will Voices is a blog series featuring those who are or who have struggled with mental health. It is meant to bring awareness, understanding and support. If you would like to share your story with us, please email info@lovewillfoundation.org**
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