A lot of folks don’t understand why I’m SO shy and self-conscious about my body, and I figure - as I continue learning to love and be okay with myself - that I get something off my chest.

On Halloween 2013, I went into surgery to have excess skin removed from my chest.

I was always a big dude, but I never anticipated that I’d be carrying around skin flaps. I saved up a lot of money, and while I on-again-off-again consider having other areas tended to, it was only the excess skin on my chest I had removed.

It’s been almost 3 years now, and only two of my friends know. And now I’m starting to wonder, scars or not, what’s the point of having spent all the money I had to my name just so I can continue to hide away?

I’m not saying I’m totally comfortable topless regardless; I’m still doing battle with love handles and a soft belly. But I’m going on a trip with two of my lifelong best friends, and if the opportunity to use a pool presents itself, who am I to be shy? I LOVE swimming. I’ve worked hard, in many ways, to have this.

I could go on and on and on about this, really, but the point is: I’ve got scars and I’m tired of hiding. I’m probably the only one who gives a shit, anyway, and I’ve gotten a lot of encouragement from watching recent videos of other dudes who got stuck with excess skin.

So there we go. Just had to get that off my chest.

**shot

Self and Art (c) J. "Rehgan" Fitzmaurice