I was once an elite athlete, but a serious injury left me with a permanent disability. I have experienced both beauty and ugliness, in my eyes, as well as others. I learned to accept myself, and even a sense of honor in what I have been able to accomplish since that fateful moment. Many people are repulsed by my disfigurement, but it weeds out those who are shallow, and it has been my challenge to rise above that. True beauty lies in the character of self; all the rest is temporary, window dressing. I wonder how many people, when they grow old, look back on their youth, and wish they had learned this maturing truth, then.