“Finding Inner Strength Through Art: A Story of Self-Discovery”
This story begins with an honest reflection on the struggles of self-worth and belonging. The speaker shares their inner battle of constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling like they didn’t fit in. It’s a raw and relatable experience that many of us have gone through at some point in our lives.
But amidst the struggle, this individual found inspiration and hope through their faith. They talk about finding their true self through the example of Jesus Christ, and how this realization helped them to embrace their inherent goodness as a child of God. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the strength we need comes from within, and that self-love is a crucial step towards finding peace and acceptance.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this story is how the speaker channeled their inner turmoil into art. They describe the process of creating a mural that symbolizes transformation and resilience. The image of a woman in a state of peace, surrounded by a burning house and emerging flowers, is a poignant representation of inner conflict and growth. It’s a reminder that beauty can arise from the ashes, and that there is always potential for growth and renewal.
What’s truly heartwarming is how the community embraced the art piece. Neighbors expressed curiosity and admiration for the mural, and even the local police officers were moved by its beauty. It’s a testament to the power of art to connect people and inspire reflection.
In the end, the speaker offers a simple yet profound piece of advice to anyone going through a tough time: be kind to yourself. It’s a reminder that self-compassion is essential, especially when the inner critic feels louder than the affirming voice. It’s a message that resonates with all of us, reminding us to recognize the good within ourselves and to seek peace from within.
This story is a powerful example of how art can be a source of healing and self-discovery. It’s a reminder that each of us has the potential to find strength and beauty within ourselves, and that sometimes, the journey of self-acceptance begins from within. I hope this story has inspired you to reflect on your own journey of self-discovery and to embrace the beauty that lies within you. Remember, you are loved, you are seen, and you are enough.
It has taken me a long time to recognize that I was constantly looking outsider comparing at peers and trying to discover how do I become the person that I should be. It’s a commandment to love myself. I can’t love my neighbor until I can love myself. That’s where becoming one has to start from within. I have grown up feeling a lot of shame, not belonging, not feeling like I fit in. I sensed that I was different. I wasn’t the only one who noticed that. I think it was as clear even to my older brothers, but something that really stood out to me is I was nicknamed Ferry Princess. That was hard for me to not know that I’m not like them and who I am is wrong. And so I felt like I needed to hide, I guess, or didn’t feel like it could be my true self. What is it that will make me man enough because I’m not good enough? Or what do I need to change about myself? Do I need to be more athletic? Change what I wear, focus on bodybuilding. All of these external things, constantly looking and constantly comparing has been my inner battle.
I can only speak about my experiences, but I know that each individual has their own trials. And for me, by recognizing that Jesus Christ gave the perfect example. Anyone who studies Jesus Christ can see that that is where they will find their true selves. I’ve never questioned Christ’s love for me, but at times I have had a hard time feeling that love or accepting that love in myself. Things that I love about being an artist is I get to communicate messages that are important to me and share those with others. Getting to paint an outdoor mural large scale in New York City is a dream. The opportunity to create a conceptual piece that has universal values, that’s something that is important to me. The concept that I came up with, having a woman with her hand over her heart, her eyes closed and in a state of peace. And what’s going on within is that’s where I was able to put that burning fire also in her other hand, close to her heart is soil that is giving space to grow some flowers, turning those ashes into beauty. This house that’s on fire is causing a lot of smoke.
And as a way of breaking the space, I had the smoke leaving the insides up and over her shoulder. So she’s turning and blowing as though she’s been able to accept and come to peace and work through this inner conflict and is now becoming resolved. As soon as the art went up on the wall, it was immediately engaged. There was almost a sense of curiosity and bonding of the neighbors of this new piece that was going to be part of their neighborhood. The house is burning. I even had two cops come over and said that they just had to come and express how inspiring, how beautiful the piece was. Thank you. Have a good one. The simplest advice that I would give to anyone who’s going through a hard time is, be kind to yourself. I know that’s not easy. It’s very common for the inner critic to be louder than positive, reaffirming voice, but that’s how you can see and actually recognize the good in you. I don’t know what people are going to take away when they see my art. My hope is it will cause them to reflect on themselves, to look inward and ask, Am I at peace within?
Jesus Christ describes Himself as one with the Father, and he took time to strengthen that relationship. And just as he did that, when I take the time to speak with my heavenly Father, I always walk away from that experience, reminded of who I am, that I am a beloved son of my heavenly Father. My inherent goodness of who I am as a child of God, that is my true self. It’s a mural, but I hope it has more meaning than just adding color and beauty to the neighborhood I hope that it can uplift and inspire. That’s what everyone wants, is to be able to truly be seen and known and loved. It begins from within, one within.
dyejo
Guest Author
J Washburn
