Sun Kissed My Skin

 It was started with a small white patch on my head when I was 5 years old and it spread throughout my body. You'll be wondering what am I actually writing about. It's about vitiligo. Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It's caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in the skin. I have vitiligo for almost 14 years.  I believe that vitiligo is a skin condition, not a disease. I always been healthy and never been in serious condition because of vitiligo. Now it became a part of my life. 

   As I mentioned earlier, I have vitiligo when I was in kindergarten and I was not matured enough to handle the situation. It was overwhelming for a 5 years old kid. Vitiligo crushed my self-esteem. Having vitiligo is quite a life-changing moment for me and my family members. As I had low self-esteem, I tried to hide behind my mother or my family members whenever we went out for festivals or events. I felt shy to talk to others because I looked different. At school, kids tend to bully me using my appearance. I appeared to be different from other students. This made me think that I was not a normal kid. Even my junior in my primary school compared me with a cow. I still remember that he told me that I look like a cow. That was embarrassing.

Cute cow

     Not only that, I was restricted from playing outdoor activities by my parents because my skin is more vulnerable to sunburn. I can't be exposed to sunlight for too long. I know they did that for my sake but it was very depressing because I like to play outdoor games like netball. Time went on and things became normal. People still stare at me like I'm some kind but learned to ignore them. I also learned that we may look different but we all are the same in different ways. I also came across some models with vitiligo. It was surprising and promising to see them. They are very confident and beautiful. They changed my perspective about how I feel about myself. I came to the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with me but the problem is with the ignorant people in society. 

    I really want to thank my family and friends. They helped a lot throughout these 14 years. They helped me to rebuild my self-esteem. I am very proud to be who I am right now. If you're struggling with your appearance, don't be afraid of what others would say or think about you. Have the courage to put yourself where you belong. No one will be there for you except yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each and every one is unique in their own way. Beauty isn't anything... Walk and do things full of self-confidence. One day, you will be a better version of yourself.

Me

Sun-kissed my skin and white patches above my skin shine back 

Showing the world that beauty is just a perspective of thoughts

Under my skin, My beautiful soul always naked.

-Dipen Oza