What is self-expression? What does it mean when someone says express yourself? If you take it by its literal definition, it would be the expression of one’s own personality; assertion of one’s individual traits (Definition provided by Websters dictionary).
Asserting our own traits, seems like a dry way to define such a complex concept for a human being. Expression can be physical, like kissing my child’s forehead as a show of love. Verbal; expressing frustrations, or delightful moments. Taking it a step further, expression can take the form of a gift; planned out and picked with care. It can be created internally through our thoughts and words. It can be carried out into the world through our actions.
For me, blogging is an expression of who I am, it is what I want to share with the world. Through this site I express my inner world, and hope that someone reads my words and finds answers to questions, comfort during struggles, or a spark of knowledge that inspires and heals. I put them together with my thoughts, feelings, and actions. When I feel my deeper expressions arising I feel a glowing warmth flowing freely through my body starting from my heart. As I write this the warmth flows through my finger tips, my brain tingles as each word makes it way onto the page. Expression is like refreshing cool water on a hot summer day, it quenches my thirst and gives me a sweet feeling of satisfaction.
Like everyone, I hit ceilings but that creates an opportunity to learn new ways to express myself and grow. Expression is a practice. It takes time to hone in on and do it. When I began to learn how to express myself I practiced in the mirror daily. I would look at myself in the mirror and practice different voices, making eye contact with myself, different facial expressions. To feel which ones felt more like me. This practice may sound silly for someone who is confident in who they are, but for me as a shy and sheltered adult, it was hard.
Not everyone has practiced being comfortable in their own skin or to express themselves easily. Expression can feel like a foreign language for those that are quiet and closed off, it is no easy feat. People that have not explored their own likes and dislikes have little to go off of when it comes to what the world has to offer in the ways of expression. Practicing in the mirror helped me find my own voice in a sea of voices that surrounded me. Do this, don’t do that, you’re not good enough for this, you’re not pretty enough. When I was studying ASL I was even told why are you doing that? Even a monkey can do that.
Instead I started to listen to what I had to say, I strengthened my connection with that voice I had made a habit of drowning out and ignoring. I learned to express my thoughts; the more I practiced the more it came naturally. When I became proficient in speaking my truths I focused on expressing myself through creativity. I tried various activities to get a feel for what I did and did not enjoy. I tried parenting classes, church programs, community events and volunteered at my children’s school. The more I tried the more it guided me to what ignited my passions within. I was in the yes man state of mind. I would be asked to try something and I would do it just for the experience.
I went to a baseball game. The crowds were fun and the hosts engaged us in dances and activities that I didn’t know were a part of the experience until I went. I went to a local guided painting studio and found that I was a great artist, I have painted dozens of paintings, including projects that I gift as presents for Christmas. I made a friend out of the instructor and still have her paintings on my wall as a reminder of what she taught me. I joined in on virtual cooking classes and have learned how to put love into every meal I make. Some turn out better than others, just ask my family. I learned how to express my disciplined side with learning about lists and scheduling things on a calendar to help me keep my appointments and activities organized and orderly.
Through each experience I have found a different way to express myself, from the books I’ve read to the stories I get to tell, all forms of sharing with the world a little part of myself. Expressing what I think, want and believe through actions and words each day. Allowing myself to speak my truth offers those around me bursts of pure untamed energy that influence those that need it the most. Expression allows those around us to feel a little less fearful. To walk a little taller.
Without your expression today someone that needed to hear what you have to say missed out on your valuable experience. Expression is a way to heal our world and ourselves. One step at a time, one moment can change someone’s world, today I ask you to express that beautiful being that is hidden inside you. I urge you to bring it! Practice. You are the one that gets to decide how your expression looks and feels.
Mold on friends! Sculpt your beautiful future and be who you were always meant to be. A brilliant being of endless expression and light!
