If you are reading this, you are your best artwork.
It sometimes feels like the more time we spend in our bodies, the less familiar we grow of them. And what an irony it is–to become so distant from the one machine that is running your brain, invigorating your senses, beating your heart.
I am an artist. And as the saying goes, I am my biggest critic as well. From years of scrutinizing meticulous attention to my paintings and drawings, I began to translate this painstaking judgment to my own body, my own intelligence, and my own passion. I found myself in a constant loop of comparison. I analyzed the nooks and crannies of my limbs, frowning as they didn’t match the conventional goddesses of television. I berated my brain, forcing her to master skills she simply wasn’t wired for yet. I held my own artwork against those of others, imploring myself to be different, be better–more like them, and less like me.
A few years ago, I was assigned to create a self portrait in class. For days, I drew every freckle, indent, and feature of my face–giving myself the delicate care and attention I’d given every portrait of mine before. I drew my myriad of expressions–my eyes and nose given to me by my mother and father–my smile. In my drawing, I saw years of history and endless reasons to continue looking.
I fell in love with the drawing. I fell in love with myself.
Because in all of the history of the universe, there is no one who has lived the kaleidoscope of experiences that you have. There is no one who has your body, your brain, your talents and passions–it is your unique existence that no one can take away from you. Down to the very atoms composing your skin, you are a human being like no other, and we are lucky to have you here in the exact way you are. You have the absolute power to give meaning in your life to what you want to. You have the opportunity to paint your own portrait.
I know many of us are still on this journey of self love, respect, and acceptance. But continuing is the most important part. You have a name–a journey–a history like no other. Host your own exhibition, with yourself as the centerpiece.
You deserve your own frame.
Yasha D., Duke University
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