Self-Expression – Voices 55

Growing up, I had a strong passion for drawing which sadly, due to a traumatic experience, I abruptly stopped. Instead of drawing, I found myself expressing my thoughts and feelings in a new way; a way that I didn’t even foresee was a skill that I possessed. This being through poetry.

I remember a time when I couldn’t muster up the courage to approach a girl I liked in middle school. The only way I could let her know how I felt was through writing her a poem. I remember staring at her the entire time while writing without looking at the page.

Although my writing wasn’t enough to win over the girl, it was in that moment I came to understand that through poetry, one can express themselves in multiple ways both directly and indirectly.

Photography is another way I express myself, and although I am not a professional by any standards, I found that I enjoy taking pictures and editing them. There’s something about taking a lifeless picture and turning it into a vivid eye-catching sight.

I would lose myself for hours while editing pictures for others and myself. Although I don’t do this nearly as much as I write, I do enjoy expressing myself through photos from time to time. There’s a feeling of amazement when you see the before and after pictures.

Nonetheless, whether I am writing a poem that has my feelings and thoughts hidden between the lines, or simply taking pictures for friends and loved ones, one thing is certain. The result of these actions proves to be my way of expressing myself to the world.

I found that through it all, it’s an amazing way to keep myself out of trouble. These two ways of expressing myself prove to be very relaxing. They’re also a great way to escape from the real world and into another world where I control the narrative.