Bloom

For the past few years, friends and I have talked about what makes us feel like we’re achieving something in our lives. We all tell each other things like “you’re doing amazing!”  “You’ve come so far!” “I’m proud of you”. But somehow, we can’t say those words to ourselves.

It’s hard to celebrate our own achievements or even to enjoy when some dream of ours starts coming true. But friends make sure to remind us that they’re noticing, and that they celebrate each step we give even if they live far away. That they see us blooming in front of their eyes.

I’ve seen their faces when they stay silently while others are sharing their experiences in reaching their goals or sharing something that made them happy. Big or small, that warm smile that illuminates their faces when they listen to the stories they might have not even witnessed. They become witnesses of stories unfolding, of fears passing and new hopes and goals arising.

And I wonder… What if we could look at ourselves in the mirror and realize our own stories unfolding? How we rise from despair, from loneliness and from fear. How we’ve figured out just to live and trying to be happy?

What if we smile being proud of the person reflected in the mirror? The same smile that forms in our faces when a loved one celebrates something?

It’ll be amazing to recognize that we’re blooming into a new version of ourselves, to see our own journeys and realize how far we’ve come. We’re witnesses of our own stories and still, we deny ourselves of that kindness that we are able to give others.

I hope that next time you look at your reflection, you gift yourself that warm smile full of love. That you realize you’ve become your safe space to be yourself and celebrate. And perhaps, just maybe, also believe when your friends tell you that they’re proud of you. And be brave to tell that to yourself as well.

About the artwork:

Graphite pencils and metallic paint on mixed media paper.
4in x 6in

Frame is included.

International friends: Please be aware that you might need to pay applicable customs fees in your country to receive this package.

$265 $265