• I am worth nothing if my image is flawed
• People will not like me if my image is flawed
• People only care about my appearance
• People will stare at me and feel disgust when they spend time with me
• I look scary because of my scar
• I look angry or “evil” because of my scar
• I look disfigured because of my scar and this makes me unlovable
• I am unlovable
• I need to be afraid
• People don’t want to associate with me because of my appearance
• My appearance is monstrous
• My appearance is grossly abnormal
• Kids will be afraid of me because of the way I look
• My children won’t want to associate with me because of the way I look
• I am ugly
• I am disgusting
• I am worthless
• I am better off dead

Believe it or not these thoughts are all part of who I used to be… I say used to be because in 2014 my goal is to let this list (which is actively working in my mind as I write) perish in the new year. I will make my new list tomorrow. One that explains my list of truths. The one I can hold up when the lies threaten to take over. These are lies, they may not always seem like it but I know they are. They hold me back, they take away from my joy, they distract from the goal… Love and care for others, be present, love ourselves, be kind to others and ourselves. Life is better in this mental space.

BDD, is not only a pack of lies, it is a distraction from the wonder and beauty of life! What a WASTE!