BRAVERY

Bravery is about changing the narrative. Bravery is about facing that which is scary, uncomfortable, or unknown. Life requires bravery, as does healing and light. We must experience our pain, our suffering, our wounds, so that we can learn what they have to teach us, so that we can meet our own needs, and move into spaces of freedom and wisdom, understanding our nature. Bravery is often depicted as a hero, as a soldier, as strength and brute force. Yet, bravery is found in weakness. Bravery is found in the marginalized and the wounded. The healthy do not need doctors, but the sick do. In order to heal, we must realize what is harmful, what is sick, what is the source of pain, so that we can accurately act to bring safety, healing, and life.

These photos were created between my 2 most recent hospitalizations for suicidal ideation. I wanted to capture the pain, the bravery, and the work behind the scenes that no one sees. I wanted vulnerability, weakness, and pain to be seen so that my fullness, strength, and healing could also be seen. I have bipolar disorder, meaning I have manias and I have depressions. Both of these states are crippling and did not allow me to work or participate in society for several years. The bravery to feel is a bravery that heals. This bravery is practicing listening, compassion, understanding, and wisdom towards myself and I have learned that the more I practice these characteristics towards myself the more I can practice them towards others. I do not post these for pity or for myself. I post these out of my sense of integrity, creativity, and authenticity. I will be honest about all, so that all can be seen. This work of art means the most to me of any of my art because it was a critical moment in which my vulnerability and authenticity manifested in the physical realm, created art, and have impacted many. I am grateful for this gift and I will continue to use it as a point for connection within myself and with others.