Today, August 5, 2024 marks a significant milestone in my life.
In the burn community, we call it our Burniversary – the day we got injured with burns. It's a day of reflection. A reminder of how far we've come in our journey and how much we've grown through our experiences.
Twenty-three years ago, when I was 23 years old, my life changed in one split second because of a car accident that left me severely injured and scarred physically, mentally and emotionally.
The Accident.
I will never forget the details of that day, the sound of the screeching tires, the deafening silence before the impact, the heat, and the absolute chaos that followed.
In one split second, my reality changed.
A New Reality
After spending months away from family and in hospital care, accepting my new reality was one of the hardest things I had to achieve. The scars in my heart from losing my friends (read more here) and the scars on my body every time I saw my reflection in the mirror served as a constant reminder of the pain and trauma I had survived.
There were physical challenges, but the emotional and mental hurdles were just as daunting. Initially, I felt I had lost myself and my identity. However, as the years went by, I discovered that through this experience, I actually found my true self.
Over the years, I have found support in various communities, from burn survivor support groups to artist communities and healing circles. These connections helped me discover an inner strength I never knew I possessed and empowered me to move forward and find my purpose.
Since 2017, I have made it my mission to share my message on road safety with different audiences, keeping the memory of my friends alive and aiming to bring positive change.
Celebrating My Burniversary
This year, my burniversary holds special significance as it marks the point where I have lived as long with my scars as I did without them.
As I reflect on the past 23 years, I can't help but feel immense gratitude. While the accident changed my life in ways I could never imagine, it also brought me closer to my true self. It taught me the value of empathy, compassion, acceptance, forgiveness... I have experienced the power of being an active member of a community and the importance of healing your mind through art and connections.
My journey is far from over. I continue to face challenges, but with a different mind, by trusting myself more. My scars are a testament to my strength and resilience. They are a part of who I am, and I embrace them as I move forward into the next chapter of my life.
As I celebrate life today, I want to leave you with a thought.
Life's challenges and traumatic experiences do not define us. They refine us.
We do not lose ourselves through these experiences. Instead, we find our true selves and uncover strengths we never knew we had. Celebrate your milestones, big and small, find your purpose and embrace the journey of your self-discovery.
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