I'm happy to be alive, I'm happy to be who I am. (Michael Jackson) - Seen from a different perspective!

I wrote about this quote yesterday and mentioned how it sounded strange from a man like Michael Jackson who was accused of trying to change his skin color and using a ton of make-up. But, then again, if we look into his life, then it might be extremely valid and it will help so many people. Why is that?

Michael Jackson had a skin disease called vitiligo. This is a disease that causes changes in skin color on certain places and cause strange patterns and depigmentation. Now, that would explain all the make up and all the work he did to try to hide the disease.

Depigmentation, or vitiligo... an illustration

But, if we look at the quote knowing this, Michael Jackson said that he is happy to be alive, and he is happy to be who he was, with his body, with his talents, and with his disease.

It is about accepting who we are and accepting the cards we are given in life. And if we look at the quote from that perspective, it is actually a strong one and it should be of encouragement to lots of people struggling with diseases and weaknesses with which they were born, that they cannot really fight against, but accepting it and living life with joy together with it.