Scabs, Scars, and Bruises

I fell hard. When I hit rock bottom I looked up and saw people who I wanted to be so I got up with them. Pretending to be strong. I looked around to see if anyone saw me fall flat. Nope, coast is clear. No one knew I fell except me. I still see those scabs, scars, and bruises even if no one else does. The thing about scars is that each one on our body has a story behind it. Those stories are reminders to never make the same mistakes. My neighbor played with a rattle snake and got bit. He has a scar on his wrist. He learned from that mistake and so did I. I need those bruises to remind me to guard myself of dangerous situations and dangerous relationships.  How do I know you won’t hurt me? Why do you deserve my friendship? Why do you deserve my love? Why do you deserve my trust? But that’s the beauty of it. I need Scabs. I need scars. And I need bruises because I need to find out for myself who to trust with my heart. Scabs, scars, and bruises are necessary for life- because we need to learn and progress.