I wore shorts for the first time in a while and I've never felt more empowered

Since like 8th grade, when I gained and lost 40 pounds I've had these nasty stretch marks on my legs and hips and I've hated them, and I've hated myself for them. I'm now 110 pounds at 5'3 which has been my goal and I have never been happier, but I refused to wear shorts because of my stretch marks until today and it feels strangely empowering. My body is a temple and it can do amazing things, so why would a few stretch marks matter so much? I just want this to be a lesson that you should never hide yourself just because you're ashamed with your body (though you also don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, considering this is a pretty bold move of mine)