Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Today I celebrate.


:: 63ºF (50% chance of rain)  |  sunny   :: skin extremely itchy
A few weeks ago, I came across Ariana Page Russell, an incredible artist that has sensitive skin too. 
Although her condition is different than mine, I felt connected once I saw her art. I loved to read her story, to see how she had found the beauty within her condition, and how she had translated it into something so meaningful (and even playful). 

I wrote to Ariana that same day to congratulate her for her beautiful work and also to pop a question, "How do you do it -- what do you say to yourself at the end of the day when you realize the condition isn’t going anywhere and despite all the positive attitude, the self-acceptance you work on in a daily basis, you still feel a little bit of longing for that “perfect” skin that others have?". A question that right after I typed, I realized it was directed to me. I was tempted to delete it. I felt dumb for asking that question, because I already knew the answer to it!

I am glad I reached out. Ariana gave me an interview that was featured on the Skin Tome community. It helped me refresh my memory about why I decided to talk publicly about my condition in the first place. It made me realize that the main reason I created art about photodermatitis and put it out there was to connect. It doesn't matter if that connection was with one person only, if for that person my work made a difference. 

I know it has made a difference for myself -- I now feel more comfortable in my skin, I have learned more about my skin disorder and my emotional health, and I appreciate my skin today more that I did my entire adolescence. I see this as a huge accomplishment, so today I celebrate! 

+ Printable mini poster is available here.

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