Kintsugi: The Art of Embracing My Scars

I discovered Kintsugi several years ago, and back then it struck me as a beautiful concept. But now, as I go through my own transformation, I truly embody its meaning as part of my life.

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique that repairs broken pottery using resin and gold powder. The piece doesn’t return to being “just like before”; instead, it becomes more valuable. The break is not hidden—it is celebrated.

This Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold speaks to me now more deeply than ever: “It’s not about hiding the scars, but honoring them.” And to that, I add: contemplating them, speaking with them.

The path of learning never ends.

Like those ceramic pieces, I too have been broken. And each of those fractures has given me an opportunity to rebuild myself—more consciously, more radiantly. Each one, with its pain, has been like discovering a precious stone—deeply valuable—because it has made me stronger, more sensitive, more human. Each one has invited me to grow and inspired me to keep moving forward.

Some of the breaks I now embrace, I’ve shared throughout my blog. Others I prefer to keep in the intimacy of my heart. I leave them there because that too is a way of honoring and protecting the people I love—and my teachers.

For a long time, I believed I had to hide my wounds—to show myself as whole, strong, perfect. I would often tell myself: “You can do this, Lili. It’s okay. Keep going.” But now I know that my scars are an essential part of my beauty. And when I pause to look at them with gratitude, I learn more about myself—I feel filled with strength, courage, and love.

Today, I embrace change, flexibility, the reality of being here today and somewhere else tomorrow. I embrace life differently now—being present for my blood family and for those I’ve chosen as my life family. I no longer seek to be chosen—I feel free to choose.

I will welcome the new precious stones I find along the way with love and gratitude.

My “gold” is my sensitivity, my capacity to accompany others, my courage to start over. I am not the same—and I don’t want to be.

I invite you to close your eyes and lovingly contemplate your own breaks.

Today, I invite you to look at your scars with tenderness.

Not as mistakes, but as maps of all you’ve lived.

What broken parts of you are ready to receive gold?

I’m here to walk beside you as you rebuild your story—with love and purpose.

Lili Gelvez