Image source: Illustrator Silvia Stetcher’s textured artwork

The constant need for completeness engulfs us in our daily lives. Who are we? Give us something – anything – what’s our label? Between ‘What’s your name?’ and ‘What do you do?’ lies a pre-determined soliloquy that quenches a curious stranger’s thirst, while we repeatedly tell ourselves what makes us, US. It is a tradition, a universal law to be categorized; it has been done since the beginning of time. From Hunters and, gatherers to slaves and masters, clans and royalties, to medium class and upper class, we now find ourselves in modern-day labels:  rebels, bullies, EMOs, backbenchers, ‘losers’, and the popular ones. These groups may be confined to high school, but I fear they persist throughout our lives.  there is always an order to things and it spares nobody.

I have a confession to make. As I peel away my layers of mysticism like an onion, I am immersed in curiosity. While Calling myself mysterious maybe egotistical, I have come to understand what works for me and what doesn’t in the grand scheme of things. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is underestimating my weaknesses. Instead of berating myself for them- something we all tend to do- I am learning to embrace the artistic ways of my being: my vices, my quirks, and my pet peeves. I believe in the mantra ‘you can if you think you can’, and ‘ anything is possible,’ but I also recognize that not everyone can be president, You get my drift.

One of the perks of Self-discovery is that it leaves room for improvement, and I have been better for it. What fuels your spunk? What ignites your Gumption? What do you look forward to? And to my Pinterest girlies and vision board queens, what inspires you repeatedly? There is no wrong answer.

 In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.’ What can we learn from her? What sets her apart from the average Joe? Simply put, she learned to like herself, took the time to understand her nature, and wasn’t afraid to showcase her distinct literary talent in the face of adversity. It seems so basic and uncomplicated to like oneself considering we’re stuck in this body and mind until we die. Yet, we spend a lifetime trying to ‘fix’ ourselves and focusing on what we lack instead of appreciating what we have. We make ourselves feel small by comparing incomparable things, crafting a picture for the world to see, not to our liking but to the eyes of the beholder. How blurred is our vision? How tarnished are we, allowing ourselves to be given away so easily?

The intricacy of the soul is as deep as the ocean, And everyone has a divine opportunity to look as deep as they wish. My journey is my own, and I am okay with the speed at which I meet myself in diverse forms, habitually, without feeling guilty. I must mention the guilt we often harbor, especially women when it comes to standing out for what we believe in. What’s up with that? I do feel an anger stir up while writing this, I hope you do too while reading. I often find myself needing to explain my choices to an audience that doesn’t need to know, yet in my discourse, I strive to give myself grace; I become a good woman to myself. It is not simple, but it is doable. And, I am proud of you, who is comfortable in your skin. I applaud you for trusting your judgment, however absurd and difficult it may be.

Written by: Ruth Mekasha

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