All The Scars That Made Me Stronger

This last week was a week that gave me time to reflect, due to two massive snowstorms that essentially shut our city down. We had so much snow that it was actually a little scary... I thought about people who might need medical care or if a fire were to happen.

Thankfully I didn't lose power, so I just waited it out. I do live very close to a store that is open 24/7, so I ventured out there once the storm stopped. What normally takes me 3-4 minutes to get there, took me about 10-12 minutes of hard exercise. I used muscles I didn't even know I had.

We are all hoping this is the last of it, it's been a long hard Winter here that has made me think about some alternatives. Which I'll get into later after I look into my options more in depth. The Maritimes can be a tough place for the Winters, yet I am aware that all places have there weather issues.
It's much like the trials we have been given throughout our lives... we often think life would be easier without the challenges we have ... but truthfully aren't they what makes us who we are? Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by them and I just want to hide but there's a part of me that won't allow that.

I'm sure many of you know that I was burned in a fire when I was 15 months old, I wrote about it in the post The Fire - 48 Years Ago. Over the years I have often wondered where I would be in this life if I had not had to deal with the trial of the fire. I learned early on that we are not truly loved for what we look like on the outside, that comes from who we really are on the inside.

I have thought over the years that my being scarred has prevented me from finding love. I have even had a few men tell me that it bothered them, which hurt but I came to the conclusion that if they could not see past the outer me, they were missing out on the real me.

I am the girl who would love someone with her whole heart and I would be tenacious enough to never give up because of superficial things. I feel sorry for the men I have met in my life who couldn't look past the scars I have...We all have them, some of ours are more visible than others.
Even though my life was incredibly difficult with having to live with the scars, I don't think I would change it if I could because I might not have learned that we are not truly loved for who we are on the outside, it is what is inside that counts.

I believe those scars made me stronger, kinder and more compassionate than I would have been without them. They helped me to be more real, more myself and more understanding... I wouldn't trade them for anything. 
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76 comments :

  1. Well written, Launna. Yes, experience makes us more and more stronger to face challenges. You are real inspiration to many.

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  2. Hello Launna ,i read it now the first time what happen 1946 ,i´m so sad for your Sister Kimmy ,and Mary. And after i read this ,you seem much more stronger than i ever known. You are a amazing Woman ♡ ,much love for you!
    (sorry for my bad english ,hope you understand what i want to say)

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  3. Beautiful post. ^^
    New post is online....

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  4. I went back and read your post about the fire. You're a walking miracle, kiddo. Now I know where you got that steel resolve... it's the reason you're still alive.

    Happy weekend!

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  5. I understand that you have become very strong because of your scars. The amazing thing is that you are an awesome person even after getting hurt and getting scars. Not a whole lot of people are able to keep the goodness of their heart when they get their feelings hurt or when they are betrayed. You have been patient and that shows in your posts. God Bless.

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  6. your blog looks diferent, the header, colours... I like it!
    your life is a testimony for me, very inspirational post as usually
    kss
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/vestidos-de-fiesta-largos.html

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  7. We rarely get much snow here. This year we had one snow that lasted a day. But wedo get violent weather each spring and fall.
    I think I'd prefer snow:)
    Take care of yourself Luanna.

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  8. Hi Launna, a nice read as always. Here too, we get snowfall at least once during the winter but this time it did not happen..... Is it because of the global warming? I love snow as well.... But coming to the underlying message of your post, I truly appreciate u for being a strong person despite having to go through so many challenges in life. I also believe that whatever happens, it happens for the good.... I admire u for how u take on life. God bless u forever. Take care and have a good day!

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  9. Dear Launna, I also think that scars make you stronger. You are so amazing and, I always say this, stronger that you believe. I hope you soon can enjoy warm weather. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Jasmine ♥♥♥

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  10. oh, I didn't know about the fire. but otherwise, I'm with you. it's only the bad times and challenges that really make us grow and discover who we really are. I can't complain, I had some hard and very unpleasant times, but nothing major, and I'm grateful for all that's happened to me. mostly the bad stuff. while it wasn't fun while it lasted, it made me who I am now. and I like to think I'm much more switched on to the trials and sufferings around me because of my own, which is what's making it so much easier to connect but also to live through more trials and sufferings.

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  11. Oh wow, that's a really sad story :-O But you are right, scars make us stronger, both the visible and invisible ones.

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  12. O importante de tudo isso é que você sempre reflete e pensa em você e nas
    outras pessoa isso faz muito bem, amei a sua postagem bom final de semana
    um dia maravilhoso para você e família.
    Curta e siga o meu canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34

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  13. Oh honey, you are SO STRONG!! Reading your posts are always so uplifting to me! I love how freely you can share your thoughts, your life and your reflections! <3 <3 *hugs* - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  14. The scars make us stronger, but they hurt when they are touched. My friend died, he had cancer, but I'm fine, he was very ill and now he will be better, maybe in heaven. Hugs

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  15. I feel the same way! Every up and down you go through in life shapes you into who you are now and without them, we wouldn't be the same person. So it's important to take them as learning curves.

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  16. So true, you learn from the past and move forward with them. Its like a ladder, you build it up with your strength!

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  17. I wrote a blog article years back that spoke of the fact that when a piece of art is being created, quite often the surface has to be roughed up using some caustic liquid, or a piece of steel wool, or sandpaper. Without this roughening up process, a true bonding process cannot be achieved and the piece of art separates - cohesion cannot occur. I likened this to our personal growth process. In order to grow and become a more beautiful version of Self, we have to be willing to accept new layers, or to polish away old layers to provide an ample gripping surface to receive and bond with the New. It's a never ending process. Embracing that process, rather than fighting it, makes it a lot less painful. We each greet growth in a unique fashion. I think you're presenting beautiful new expressions of Self, Launna. <3

    ~ Dawn

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  18. Sorry to hear you are still snow covered, hope your winter ends soon and you can enjoy more Spring-like weather.

    It is true all of our experiences, the good, the bad, including the trials we have been given throughout our lives...it shapes our lives, it has to. Many of us do think life would be easier without the many challenges we have, perhaps it may, but it is our life , our experiences that shape who we are.

    Hope you have a good week and the snow clears soon.

    All the best Jan

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  19. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.I didn't know about the fire incident, have to read that post. Yeah I saw on the new about the recent snow storm in Halifax, its getting warmer here and I can't wait for it to finally warm up!!
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  20. Dear sweet Launna,
    you are a beautiful woman and any man who did not appreciate your being perfect, it is a stupid man.
    The scars are life experiences and overcome challenges. The same challenges that, as you say, they push us to live. I admire you very much, because you're brave. Have you seen how did you approach the snowstorm? I admire you as a mother, woman and wonderful person.
    love
    Maggie D.
    Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary

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  21. Launna,

    We got some snow here in Montreal today, so we are in the same boat at the snow still being on the ground. And dear Launna, if anyone, man or woman, cannot see beyond the exterior of anyone, they are not worth having as a friend let alone a mate! You have a lovely face and smile and a beautiful heart, and your beauty shines from within, making you a radiant soul.

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  22. Oh My sweet Launna. I was thinking about you how the snowstorms did to you over there. I'm glad you were safe during storms. I will be dealing with that too when I moved:). I know that is not fun for sure. I am so sorry that I'm late to reply. I've been busy with all my boys and were cleaning our whole house before this weekend. I had a big pile of laundry and iron. What can I say I'm just living life as a normal mom who does everything in the house:) but still love fashion as well:). Awe I really am sorry to hear that Launna, that those men in the pasted they didn't take a sweet side of you as they should. They didn't know and realized what have they missed in you who willing to love them all your heart. That was a shame they didn't:). It's so hard to find the right guy for us women. It took me quite of time to find my today love. It worth the wait for me though. Once you find the right one and life is so much easy please be patient Launna and be ready for the right one for life:). I pray for you for that lucky guy who is coming to love you as who you are. My parents are always said no matter what age we are we will find one if we looking for one:). But sometime when we looks for it could never happens but if you don't it seems on the way:). I met my husband many years ago we totally strangers was during our lunch breaks and snowy. He went with his buddy and I by myself, at the food court at the mall which we both never gone for lunch at that mall. That was it my love story to share with you because who knows what's going to happen:). You will too in one day:). He's somewhere out there Launna:). Wish you the nice one soon:). Hope everything is okay beside snowstorms:). Thanks so much for your sweet and kind Launna. Oxox

    Enjoy your weekend Launna:). Oxoxox. With love.

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  23. Beautiful post!!!

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  24. Buona domenica e un grande abbraccio!!!

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  25. E' bello leggerti!!!

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  26. Moving text. Sounds like the weather is horrendous where you are. Dear ! I hope you made it home safely. Very true about the scars though. I always think that everything happens for a reason.

    Mrs in London | lifestyle | fashion | travel

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  27. Hello my dear Launna. I went back to read on the fire that happened in 1964, and I'm extremely shocked and saddened to read that. I am so sorry for your loss, for Mary (who saved you!) and for your sister. You, Launna, are a walking miracle. You know what they always say right? God gives his hardest battles only to his strongest soldiers. And you're a strong, a very strong soldier. I admire you as a human being, as a friend, as a mother, and as a woman. You've gone through so much of unrest and turmoil, and yes, you're always making others smile. This is your biggest quality, Launna! And I absolutely respect you for that. After reading about the fire, my respect for you has gone to a much higher level. God bless your heart!

    http://anshul90.com

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  28. Launna, it is indeed the scars that make us stronger and given the chance again, many would actually choose to live it all over again coz these build up experiences and shape us to who we are to be. The snowstorm sounds terrible. I imagine snow that is knee deep or waist deep. Coming from the other side of the world, I often wondered how great it is to be off work coz of such snowstorms. I really need the break but of course, thoughts of emergency never cross my mind when I had those frivolous thoughts. I don't know about you surviving the fire but I'm going to read that post now.

    Jo
    Jo's Jumbled Jardinière

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  29. Seu cantinho está diferente... Adorei!

    Aquele esfoliante corporal é divino! O cheiro é maravilhoso e fica por um longo tempo!

    Aqui onde eu moro nunca nevou. Eu nem imagino como é passar por uma tempestade de neve! hehehe!

    As cicatrizes fazem parte da vida. Viver é se submeter a passar por qualquer acontecimento, mesmo negativo. Devemos aprender a extrair o melhor da situação, mesmo ela não sendo assim tão boa!

    Ótimo domingo, Launna!

    Beijo! ^^

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  30. I could feel mucus in my nose as I was reading the story on the fire. Now I realised that you had a close brush with death once and how much you have gone through. I'm sorry for your loss and I'm quite sure that while you feel blessed with everything good thing that had come out from it, nothing could remove the tinge of guilt in you. I'm sorry to hear that Mary who was so brave in saving you and trying to save your sisters passed away eventually and I'm sorry to hear about Kimmy's death. I could imagine how strong how strong your mother is in dealing with so many loss all at once. And I have full admiration for you in being such a fighter and pulling through the whole ordeal and showing the doctors how you could not only walk but grow a full head of hair. Sorry to hear about the breaking up of your family and the repercussions. This fire incident 48 years ago has definitely shaped you to this strong, beautiful and kind woman that you are today and I'm honoured to be a friend of someone who has gone through so much and have embodied such beautiful qualities. These scars certainly made you who you are!

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  31. Hi Launna as u rightly said scars do make us stronger I agree to that totally.. Each difficult time in ur life teaches u something valuable which makes us stronger as a person... I hope the weather improves where u stay n m glad to know that ur safe and sound in that extreme weather.. Have a lovely week ahead xoxo

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  32. I am glad the storm wasn't worse and that you were safe and sound through it all -- but I can sure understand exploring your options! There are shallow people that can't see past any scars inside or out -- and they just aren't worth your time as you already know! With your amazing attitude the Universe will send you the right person yet!

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  33. There's an old song, titled, Scars Are A Sign Of Healing, your post reminded me of it. I have sang it several times in conjunction with my testimony. Good post.

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  34. I couldn't agree with you more. I truly believe sometimes our hardest times in life end up becoming our biggest lessons. I am so proud of you Launna.
    Beautetude

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  35. Passando para ti deseja que tenha uma semana abençoada
    Curta e siga o meu canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34

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  36. Aww this is so beautiful Launa, ur scars made u even more beautiful. Lovely post! Xxx

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  37. Gorgeously written! I totally agree with you; all our scars are part of us and made us who we are. And we should be really really proud of who we are. You are a fantastic and kind person Launna!

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  38. Great post, Well written as usual!!! Your scars Made you so strong and the beautiful person that you are!!!!!
    Happy New week Launna!!!!
    xo Paola
    Expressyourself
    My Facebook

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  39. The first quote that you posted is so beautiful! It's really an interesting question. I hope the snow will go away for you soon too, so you can enjoy the warmth of Spring. Hope you'll have a great week!


    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    http://www.wingsforliberty.com/

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  40. your words are always so deep Launna....
    have a nice day dear!
    flò

    http://lafloppola.blogspot.it

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  41. I agree with you Launna but sometimes knowing a person better really hurts since its not always that a person will be good to you if he/she is good to the world and their true self is something only you knows and nobody can even thing about that!! Sometimes expectations hurt, the person you love most leaves you shallow and you just keep thinking what went wrong! Life suddenly becomes a nightmare! I am really sorry dear if I am sounding depressed! Well I really loved to read your post and your inspiring words! Biiiigggg Hug <3

    Have a blessed week ahead!
    Charu

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  42. Thanks for sharing this post, and wish you all the very best!

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  43. I cannot believe that you are still getting snow! I hope it ends soon! I also did not know about the fire! It definitely helped shape you into the fighter you are today!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  44. Dear Launna,
    this is what I was thinking about yesterday: "We often think life would be easier without the challenges we have... but truthfully aren't they what makes us who we are?"
    We get scars during our life that teach us how life itself is so important to live fully in every moment...
    I hope the weather now is getting better and better :)))
    A bug hug from Italy!

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  45. Well written, Launna! I'm so sad for your Sister Kimmy ,and Mary.

    www.thesmallnoble.blogspot.de

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  46. Wow, the weather sounds terrible! Anyway, hope you'll stay safe! :)

    www.nevernotinspired.de

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  47. thanks for sharing with us, of course I wish all the best !
    ciao

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  48. I think we should learn to appreciate the little beautiful things of every day and enjoy what we've got to not to fix ourselves only on deal of dailylife trials!
    Anyway even the worst thing happens for a reason so, I'm very sorry for your hard past, but i think it made you a better and stronger person!
    Maybe is for this that now you can valuate people not just for how looks, but for what it's in the heart, isn't it? ;)
    And don't worry dear Luanna, spring is coming! :D
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  49. I once dated a man who was VERY badly scarred. You couldn't see the scars normally--I didn't know about it until we'd been dating a while. It was part of what made him who he is today--how could I not love that about him, too? I hope you find someone who has the depth of soul to feel that way.

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  50. I'm in love with you and your blog. I learn from every post

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  51. The scars of life tell a story of your ability to overcome adversity, knowing this you know what lies ahead is achievable. You're such a strong woman an example and inspiration to many. Have a great day Launna! <3 xo

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  52. Every scar has its story and I'm glad yours made you better. Stay strong, Launna. Keep on inspiring people through your story.

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  53. Love the new blog header. I'm heading over to the other link because I don't think I ever read that.

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  54. So beautifully written. I had no idea about the burns you sustained and if any man were to only see that, they were so not worth it. Love runs alot deeper and I am positive it will happen for you <3

    Btw, I am loving your blogs new look. :)

    Stay beautiful sweetheart <3
    xx


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  55. I didn't know about your scars, and I am so sorry that so far the men you have met haven't been able to look past them. You are such a kind, beautiful person that I believe the right person will come into your life and see you for who you are. You are right that so often people judge based on looks instead of what is inside. Which is sad, because it is what is inside that counts. A friend of my family was in a plane crash when he was in his 30s and his face was badly burned. He no longer looked like the man I knew, but that didn't make him any less wonderful. Anything can happen to anyone at any time.

    Keep your positive spirit! You inspire me every week!
    Jess

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  56. Hi my lovely Launna. I just wanted to come by to say good night and thank you for your lovely words. I hope everything is well with you this week. I'm in bed and just got time to answering people now. I hope I can get everyone done but my eyes is ready for a midnight bedtime here. Good night sweet Launna. Xoxox.
    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  57. That is another inspiring post.
    Love these quotes that make me feel positive
    for the future no matter what my past is.

    http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  58. Passando para ti deseja um dia espetacular, DEUS seja contigo
    Curta e siga o meu canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34

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  59. its best article, i have blog but hmmmm oke
    site me please

    www.musafirmudaislam.blogspot.com
    or www.rheenoa.com

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  60. Wounds can be healed but scars will always be there. But you know you are right, scars strengthen a person and this scars is a constant reminder of how strong we are.. we are able to surpass whatever the pains, the sufferings we had... Thanks for the visit and i can;'t wait to read your adventures soon too. actually yesterday I was on my way home and I asked myself where i could possibly go on trip again. International travel can be expensive and the fact that I can't fund those travels alway. It would usually take me a year or so before I could go on another international venture. so i told myself as also you are planning I would try to do a travel escapade here in my home country or maybe here in our own city. it made me realize that I've grew up here but never really stroll around. so yeah =) lets do that rediscovering our own city travel =)

    http://anotsosecretlife2011.blogspot.com/

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  61. I hope that your difficult winter is over soon and spring will come shining into your life! I agree so much with what you wrote here - even though there is so much difficulty in life, it shapes us into the people we are today. Without those trials we would be someone else.

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  62. Bom dia Amiga DEUS seja contigo por onde andares.
    Curta e siga o meu canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34

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  63. Awesome post this week! You are strong in so many ways and I'm glad I've met you and your writing. Oh, I do hope spring has arrived! Love your new header and blog design as well!

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  64. I've been thankful for the scars too. Sometimes it takes years to see what we learned, but we usually do learn something. :)

    Hope your snow goes away soon. It's Spring, don't you know. :)

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  65. Wow, a snowstorm! I don't like that haha! We only had once a snowstorm here in Holland during the winter (actually I am happy with it). You are right Launna! The inside counts!

    Have a great week!

    xoxo
    www.its-dash.com

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  66. I hadn't read that story. Truly touching and you are even more inspiring then I knew. Nothing's more beautiful tgen inner strength which you have been blessed with.

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  67. That first quote just says it all! I just love it and will tell my daughters and husband. They will love it, too. Really enjoy your blog! And, so impressive regarding your weight loss!

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  68. hello Launna....I went back to read the post about the fire...I honestly cannot express my sadness about all that you have gone through. I am so, so sorry Launna.
    you know, when I read about other's lives it makes me realize just how trivial some of the things I worry about are. the most I've probably ever had to worry about was acne scars.
    But Launna, I'm sure you've been told countless times, but it truly is the inside that counts. I know you will find a man one day who won't care about your scars…... he will fall in love with your personality. And someone who would care about scars is too shallow and doesn't deserve someone like you.
    Yes, it's often made me realize, too, how different perspectives of beauty would be if we could see our souls. Which is also why I love blogging. True, a lot of people do post photos of themselves, but there are also a lot who don't, and then I realize that I have come to love them as friends through their writing, through their thoughts, through their souls. When I stop and think about it I realize how beautiful it is.

    This also makes me remember John 9:2-41:
    "And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him."
    Launna, you may have scars, but that does not make you any lesser of a person. I can tell the works of God in you: you have been through so much, and yet you have such a big heart and are so compassionate and kind. I think that however much you may despise the scars, they have made you stronger. Honestly, I am so awed at how strong you are. Cheers to you for pushing yourself forward even when men said things about you. You are so, so amazing and beautiful and I truly admire you! Never forget that!

    God bless! <3

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  69. I hope all that snow melts and the temperatures warm up for you there soon. It is true that if someone sees the real you and loves you for who you are, they will not even see the outer you. Hope you have a nice weekend!

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I love and appreciate all genuine comments, to save a little time, I won't be commenting on the comments on my blog (unless you don't have a blog), I will just visit your blog and comment there, if you have left a meaningful comment for me... I would much rather spend the time reading and commenting on a few extra blogs ❤