If we look back in history, what we find is that some of the most “damaged” people have made incredible contributions to the world. This occurs in all domains, including science, art, politics, philosophy, music, culture, etc. These, of course, get a lot of attention, but in reality, the impact of ordinary people in somehow overcoming their deepest difficulties to make a positive difference has a ripple effect for countless generations. A simple expression of action, thought, love, and kindness in the midst of struggle can expand exponentially over time.

This dynamic should not be surprising. Change requires motivation, and deep-seated damage from childhood, events, illness, misfortune, and other traumatizing events provide a motivation to strip away the trivialities in life and expose what is most important. It can take incredible courage to overcome damage and make a difference, but that difficult process also offers healing that cannot be attained otherwise.

Life is not easy, and it doesn’t matter who you are; you carry the scars from events both outside of your control and also within your control. Scars don’t magically disappear, but they can fade and even become less relevant when the attention shifts from them to the present moment for moving on to a more meaningful life, both for ourselves, others, and the world. Damage doesn’t have to dictate our lives. We can move on in powerful ways, not only in spite of the damage but in many ways because of it.