The greatest lesson I ever learned was to stop concerning myself with becoming more like you, as I left myself out of the equation entirely. The day I stopped doubting my ability to live in freedom and be content was the first of many great awakenings for me. This epiphany occurred while starring long and hard into the mirror you see before you. On that particular frigid and bleak night I found myself questioning everything about my dreams. I even questioned what others thought about my dreams. Then something snapped and I awoke to the reality that I was greater than all the questions, the aimless research and the pity I had become. My mind had consumed my ability to be of any influence to anyone and that’s how I knew, I needed out.
With strength of mind, because I faced my demons I now have the courage to wake up each morning, doll up, and dress my face in the radiance that comes from accepting how remarkably short life is; there is nothing simple about existing, nothing at all. But it’s what you do with your time here that matters.
The world, like my dressing table is beveled. It is cut and chamfered; both exquisite and sharp to the touch. At the summit of its motif anguish and contentment rest side by side as if to express: “There is no constant in life, there is only change.”
And so, I echo its sentiment: The sooner you learn to face your own reflection in the mirror, the sooner your wavering hand will steady itself and you will stop asking “Who should I live for?”
Live for yourself! [Kristen Delaney]