how to actually be seen? (chapter 4)
series of personal essays on authenticity & being seen
She stood in front of a mirror, holding a huge bed sheet.
She wasn’t tall enough to lift it to its full length, but she loved the feel of the fabric.
She’d use the sheet to create different outfits and maxi dresses, then walk around admiring what she’d made.
She’d do that for hours, entertaining herself while her young mom went back to school to finish high school.
This memory surfaced out of nowhere as I sat with the question: what did I enjoy doing as a kid, and how can I see my inner child’s natural gifts more clearly?
My first reaction was laughter. I often joke with friends that if I hadn’t grown up where I did, I probably would’ve gone into fashion and design. This memory completely validated that theory.
Even though I don’t plan to go into that field (unless the universe has other plans), over the past five years I’ve leaned more into my love for natural fabrics, sustainable fashion, and design. I’ve also been slowly letting go of the guilt, shame, and fear of being “shallow” that I picked up growing up.
This realization wasn’t new, but this memory had more to offer.
