Personally, I like scars. Scars tell a story of your life both good and bad. To me, they are a sign you were an active participant in this life not some person who wrapped themselves up in bubblewrap to protect themselves.
Somehow modern society, which I always seem to be at odds with, would like you to cover up scars and forget about them but I think they tell an interesting story. They are great conversation starters. Much more interesting than talking about the weather.
Besides, anyone who judges you because of a scar is probably not worth knowing anyway.
So here is my latest.
I would love to tell you that I got it dive bombing a tree on a running trail or maybe on an obstacle course race (those are the best). The true story is that the latest round of stitches came from my Dermatologist.
So here is my public service announcement.
Isn’t it strange how delicate we all are. We lift weights, run silly distances and put up a veneer that we are bullet-proof. The fact is that a couple rogue skin cells can change your life in a hurry.
I am talking about skin cancer. That is humbling and something we all need to pay a little more attention to.
Spoiler alert, I don’t have skin cancer but this thing on my chest was on the way to becoming that. I think we have all seen pictures of melanomas and if they all looked like the ones I see in a Google search, it is pretty obvious what they are. They are hideous. Except for this one. A very, very small spot that had a slightly irregular shape and was gray in color. Nine times out of ten I wouldn’t have noticed it and I can’t say it would have been a priority to have it checked out.
But the universe works in very cool ways and it so happens I noticed it and was due for an annual skin check. My Doctor was nonchalant about it and took a sample. I think they have to have that demeanor so they don’t freak you out. I get a call a week later that it isn’t cancer yet but I caught it at a very early stage and the pathology report says it needs to be dug out immediately. So I go and get it carved out, get stitches and I am ready to go again.
I know the healthcare system is less than desirable and a lot of people don’t have good health insurance but that can’t be a reason for you not to get regular yearly exams. Most insurances pay for the majority of it anyway.
It doesn’t matter if you go out in the sun or not, the skin is your largest organ and there is a lot of surface area where something can go south on you. The check takes a minute and if the Doctor needs to dig in and scrape something out , you are numbed. You won’t feel a thing.
Bottom Line
I have scars from races and I have scars from being a knucklehead. All the scrapes, bruises, scars and injuries tell a story. This latest one is a good one to think about gratitude. I dodged a bullet on this one and I am grateful for it. Hopefully this story resonates with you and you can take something away from it.
For me, the scar will be a reminder about the fragility of life. You may of noticed I go through life with a bit of a swagger. It’s fun to think I am bullet-proof but it is also important to be reminded that I really am not.
