What if in your brokenness lies your beauty?

A long-lost friend of mine and I got talking yesterday, and she got to share a vulnerable part of herself with me. In our heartfelt discussion, along with a short movie clip I watched and several encounters I have had in my therapy room, I realised that many of us hide our true selves because we feel we are broken (incomplete) and perhaps need fixing; these discussions brought on these deep reflections for me.

What if in your brokenness lies your beauty? What if you need no fixing? What if embracing our imperfections is the key to living a fulfilled life?

These profound questions can unlock a new understanding of yourself and your journey. They are powerful questions that challenge the traditional notion that we must always strive for perfection and wholeness. Instead, they invite us to embrace the parts of ourselves that we have labelled as flawed or damaged and to see them as sources of strength and resilience.

Seeing the beauty in our brokenness can be challenging when we're taught to strive for perfection and hide our flaws. For many of us, the idea of being broken is deeply uncomfortable. We have been conditioned to believe that we must be strong, capable, and put-together at all times. We fear being vulnerable, and we fear the judgment of others if we reveal our imperfections. But what if we could shift our perspective and see our brokenness as a part of our unique beauty?

The truth is, we all have flaws, imperfections, and brokenness. We've all been hurt, betrayed, and disappointed. We all have brokenness within us. Whether it's from past experiences, relationships, or internal struggles, it's a part of our human experience. However, it's easy to get caught up in the shame and guilt of our past or present challenges and try to hide them from the world. We may believe our flaws make us unlovable or unworthy of success and happiness.

Just, what if instead of trying to hide our brokenness or fix it, we embraced it? What if we saw our struggles as opportunities to grow and learn? Doing so allows us to find empowerment and healing in our journey rather than constantly striving to fix ourselves.

Our brokenness is a part of who we are. It has shaped, moulded, and made us who we are today. It's the cracks in the vase that make it unique and beautiful (Kintsugi comes to mind). It's the scars on our bodies and hearts that tell a story of strength and resilience. It is our struggles, our wounds, and our scars that give us depth and character. It is our willingness to be vulnerable and authentic that allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. The way we have persevered through difficult times makes us strong and resilient.

If we can embrace our brokenness and see it as a part of our beauty, we can begin to let go of the need to fix ourselves constantly. We can stop striving for perfection and instead focus on cultivating self-compassion and self-acceptance. We can stop trying to hide our flaws and instead let them shine, knowing that they are a part of what makes us unique and beautiful.

Our brokenness can teach us valuable lessons about compassion, resilience, and vulnerability. It can deepen our connections with others and bring us closer to our authentic selves. When we embrace our brokenness, we can let go of the fear of judgment and live life on our own terms. It's not always easy to embrace our imperfections, but it's worth it. We can start by practising self-compassion and reminding ourselves that we are human and deserving of love and acceptance. We can surround ourselves with people who support and uplift us rather than those who tear us down.

We can also focus on the present moment and appreciate the beauty in our lives, despite our brokenness. Whether it's the beauty of nature, the love of family and friends, or the small joys in life, there is always something to be grateful for.

Of course, this is not to say we should stop striving for growth and personal development. It is essential to work on our weaknesses and address the areas of our lives that need improvement. But we can do so from a place of self-love and acceptance rather than from a place of self-criticism and judgment.

Trust me, your brokenness does not define you, but it can make you even more beautiful. You don't need fixing because you are already whole and worthy, just as you are. Embrace your imperfections, learn from your struggles, and live life with compassion, vulnerability, and authenticity. Remember, your beauty lies within your brokenness, and it's waiting to be discovered.

So, if you feel broken or imperfect, know you are not alone. We all have parts of ourselves that we wish were different. But instead of trying to hide or fix yourself, try embracing your brokenness and seeing it as a part of your beauty. You might be surprised at how empowering and liberating it can be to let go of the need for perfection and embrace your authentic, imperfect self. Watch as your beauty shines through like the kintsugi art forms.

NB: Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that restores cracked vessels with gold, leaving the piece even more beautiful than it started out.

Hauwa Bello...empowering thee

Lead psychotherapist Mumtaz Mind and Wellness studio