Tọlá Belva

Life has a way of leaving marks on us—wounds from heartbreak, failure, or loss that can make us feel broken or unworthy. Yet, one of life’s sweetest gifts is finding someone who sees past the cracks and messiness to the beauty hidden underneath. Someone who doesn’t turn away from our flaws but leans in, uncovering the strength we may have forgotten.

To be truly seen is to experience a connection that transcends appearances. It’s having someone who acknowledges your scars, not as signs of weakness, but as symbols of resilience. These are the people who don’t simply tell you to move on—they help you heal. They carefully stitch your wounds, sprinkling glitter over the imperfections, and remind you that even broken things can sparkle.

These people see us not as damaged, but as diamonds in the mud. With patience and care, they help brush away the dirt and reveal the brilliance beneath. They don’t stop there; they help us dream again. Where we see barren, parched land, they envision fountains of possibility. They build with us, piece by piece, creating castles of hope on foundations we thought were too fractured to hold anything.

There’s a profound power in being seen this way. It shifts how we view ourselves, especially in moments when self-belief feels out of reach. When someone chooses to stay, to look deeper, to believe in us despite the chaos we carry—it’s a reminder that we are worthy. Not someday, not when we “fix” ourselves, but right now, as we are.

Yet the beauty of being seen doesn’t end there. It’s a gift that inspires us to look outward and offer the same grace to others. To truly see someone is to meet them where they are—to embrace their humanity, honor their story, and gently remind them of their strength. It’s not about fixing anyone. It’s about walking beside them, holding space for them to rediscover their light.

Think about the people who have done this for you. The ones who stood by you when things felt hopeless. The ones who believed in you even when you couldn’t. Their kindness likely left an imprint on your soul, shaping who you’ve become. Now, ask yourself: How can I pay this forward?

Every small act of compassion has the potential to transform a life. A kind word, a listening ear, a simple acknowledgment of someone’s worth—these are the seeds of hope we plant in others. And when those seeds grow, they often sprout into a ripple effect of kindness, reaching far beyond what we can see.

There’s something magical about this cycle. When we show others they are worthy of love and care, we begin to see that worth in ourselves too. We’re reminded that while life may be messy, messy doesn’t mean broken. Messy can mean real, raw, and alive.

If you’ve found someone who sees you in this way, hold onto them tightly. Cherish their presence and the light they bring into your life. And if you haven’t, know that such connections often come when we least expect them. Meanwhile, remember that you are already enough, scars and all.

The journey to being seen begins with showing up as your authentic self. It means embracing vulnerability, opening yourself to the possibility of connection, and trusting that the right people will meet you where you are.

Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. But in the midst of the mess, there is beauty. There is hope. And there is the possibility of being seen—not as someone who needs to be fixed, but as someone who is already worthy.

Here’s to the healing that comes with being seen and the courage it takes to see others in the same light. Because in the end, our scars are not the end of our story. They are simply chapters in the journey toward becoming whole.

Here’s to hope. Here’s to being seen, and embracing the power of connection.