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We are all living scrapbooks and we should be proud of that!

I really like this picture, and as you can see, I have a whole bunch of tattoos! 
It's a bit more of a serious one today, folks, so I apologise if I'm not my usual bubbly self in this one, but bear with me. Things are on the up and I wanted to share some ideas about self-acceptance, I hope you enjoy.

Life takes a toll on the body in a plethora of ways: scars, stretch marks, lines and wrinkles, And so we add hopeful additions: small metal adornments, body art. We display the fruit of a regimented beauty routine. Our bodies are the results of our lives: we are the maps of our past, present and future, and the cartographers responsible can only ever be us.




I am a living scrapbook. And so are you. Let's be proud of that. 


As a canvas for my struggles (and the proud collector of 17 tattoos,) I wanted to express just how absolutely A-OK scars, imperfections, marks and lumps and bumps are. They are all integral parts of a beautiful landscape, the mountains and valleys of you.

I've only recently made peace with my scars. Prior to June 2016, I was the victim of a chronic addition to self-injury, and for years I hid my body under tent-like jumpers and billowing trousers. Until recently, I hadn't gone swimming for 5 or 6 years, for fear of comments and stares. Thankfully all my scars are now silvery lines and they're not all that noticeable. My scars were the product of a horrific time in my life that has made me the person I am today. Although I wouldn't want to relive those 8 years of addiction, I don't regret them like I used to because they are reminders of where I've been and where I shall no longer go. They are important parts of my scrapbook.

If you're struggling with something that affecting your body: self-harm, alcoholism, drugs, eating issues; although I am not promoting the behaviour, but a degree of acceptance about the effects can definitely help in taking steps towards recovery.

Blue skies ahead!

Scars fade, the body recovers, but some damage has been done. Make peace with your body, it has felt your mind's pain and it has kept you alive. Your skin-and-bone-home is the only thing you'll ever truly own. Decorate it as you will, tattoos galore (as I have done!) or fancy clothes and jewels.
Let your body express the happiness you feel, even if it is only fleeting. Let it radiate from you, so that others need only glance at you to know just how far you've come.

But don't forget, a scrapbook is a work in progress, and it cannot ever be totally perfected or entirely finished. Work on yourself, accept what can't be reversed and love what you have.

I believe in you all, and I believe in me. I believe in us.

Anyway, right, I've rambled for long enough! Gold star if you got to the end folks! I hope you enjoyed this post and I apologise for recycling a line I wrote on Instagram in this post (I just really liked it!). I hope you're all well <3

Over and out!


Instagram: @jumper.dweller 


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