Image via Kinfolk
“Everything has the potential for beauty; just by the very fact that it exists.”
BY: MARISOL B.
I had planned to finish a different piece I began to write. I even wrote about it on social media, to somehow "make it official", and create some accountability. My exhausted mind and body have not cooperated much, though. I have been fighting an upper respiratory infection for the last three weeks; which in turn translates into ending and beginning the year in a very unexpected manner.
I decided to start writing this new post, because as I laid in bed, I heard from the other side of the room that a friend had texted, asking for help. She was asking for prayers for her boyfriend, since he had attempted suicide.
The truth is that when I heard the first phrase; "our friend is asking for help", my tired and ill self thought: "I hope it is not something too big, I don't think I am up for very much at the moment", and then, when I heard the actual request, my heart sank and my mind pondered immediately.
I pondered about so much, I could not help but to take action. I knew I had to make myself jump out of bed, turn to pen and paper (or keyboard and screen), and start writing.
No matter what comes out in the end; this piece does not seek perfect phrases or composition. This piece is very vulnerable, very transparent; very raw. It is also heartfelt and necessary, and it speaks to each soul it happens to comes across.
WE ARE FLAWED
Earlier this morning, I heard a beautiful reflection. It spoke of the flaws within this world. The ones we each carry along our lives. The ways in which we fail to do good to ourselves and others.
It spoke of the way we try to minimize these faults, and even pretend they are not there. Also about the heavy weight they carry on our souls and shoulders; one that even the most skilled kneading does not seem to get rid of.
The reality is that we are all flawed, we are all vulnerable; but that is the very thing that allows us to be a lot more open to what is truly good and beautiful within us. It is the moment we acknowledge our weakness, that our true strength comes to light.
We are made for love and mercy, but it is impossible to be on the receiving end of either one of these, as long as we pretend that we can handle life on our own. That we are supposed to live to a standard of perfection; rather than one of grace.
“It is the moment we acknowledge our weakness, that our true strength comes to light.”
LIVING OUR UNIQUE STORY
I ignore what kind of pressure and burden is within the life of that one person wanting to end it. I know we all have a story to tell; one with moments of joy and grief, all the same. I just hope that we all remember that we are not alone.
I have fallen into the trap of being afraid of pieces of my own story, or of uncertainty of various types. This space has always existed with the pure intention of bringing up the very beauty that will remind each and everyone of us not to fall prey to the lies; however, in the process I tend to forget.
Let's not let that happen! Let us keep moving forward in the direction of goodness, truth, and beauty!
Let us tell the stories that are being woven within each heart, and never cease to value that wonderful gift we've been given (for however many years); the one of existence.
LIVING INTENTIONALLY
There are many ways in which we can be reminded of the great possibility that life holds, no matter what turn it takes. Having great conviction for how much we are loved and valued, despite our flaws is crucial to life.
Taking care of every area of life contributes to overall wellbeing, so being very constant and intentional about how we feed our body, mind, heart, and soul plays a daily role as well.
Beautyfound's Manifesto talks about life, love, our daily work, passion, compassion, growth, service and the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder.
“Having great conviction for how much we are loved and valued, despite our flaws is crucial to life.”
NEVER GIVE UP
No matter how heavy the burden seems to get, be grateful for the gift of life. The truth is that everything has the potential for beauty; just by the very fact that it exists. Let's ask ourselves of the many ways in which we can add even more life to our existence. Let's do it both; for ourselves, and others.
Open the door to love and mercy; they are always knocking, ready to fill us with new life.
I hope you find this little space inviting and inspiring to remind us of the beauty that life constantly holds. Stay a while, and come back often.
