When I think of self reflection, Frida comes to mind. A woman, a seeker, a dreamer, a fighter, an artist.

“I paint myself because I am alone, I paint myself because I am the subject I know best.” – Frida Kahlo

How well do we really know ourselves? It only becomes complicated when we spend so much time looking outside for answers about the world, our world, and who we are in it. We are force-fed identities, and molded into their shadows – unless we are stubborn enough to know better. It pays to be stubborn. Stubborn people know who they are, and what they want, and very often refuses to subject themselves to a sort of change that does not align with their beliefs.

Let’s imagine a world where Halloween is everyday, and that persona we’ve been anxious to disguise ourselves as is us, everyday. Who would we be, then? What’s our “uni brow?” We all have something unique to offer. And, let me just say – cliches are necessary; reinforced and overused statements for reminders of what’s real.

We’re all yearning for more and more people to reveal themselves. We celebrate that. We celebrate people like Lizzo, which is amazing – but what are we waiting for? Have we truly accepted our differences, are we still trying to somehow “fit in,” are we waiting for someone else to “do it first?” Why? When we think about who inspires us, what is it that we’ve found in them? Do we not already have the courage, are we fearful of taking off the mask? Is it possible to express ourselves and amplify our own voices to a level of authenticity, for greater clarity on the lives we are to be leading? If we are not our authentic selves right now, here, today – then anything that lies ahead is deceit.

Are we spending enough time alone to truly get to know ourselves, without the distraction of other people’s authentic or false identities? We owe it to ourselves to be certain of who we are, where we stand, and what we have to offer.

“Your playing small does not serve the world, there’s nothing enlightened about shrinking.” – Marianne Williamson

“I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to better.” – Frida Kahlo

Are you your own muse? Are you expressing yourself, fully? Are you waiting for the right time? Do you have time?

Be You. Be True. Paint Your Own Portrait.