Self-expression is the ability to use your God-given gifts and talents to articulate to the world who you are. There is a hidden power within you that shines when everything you do authentically operates from who you are. There is no need to put on a mask or hide who you are from the world when that is your genuine power. If there is anything this year, or better yet this semester has taught me, it is that being authentically you is a superpower. I’m not sure about everyone else but this year has not been easy in any way, shape, or form. I guess that’s the response I get from my prayers for more strength because the only way to build strength is from endurance through hard moments, kind of like how an athlete builds muscle through training. As the semester ends and we go back into life without academics, I challenge you to think about this. 

Something I spoke about briefly in my first article was about expressing yourself and how it contributes to the community. Self-expression is an idea that cannot be put into a box because it can be shown in various forms. You can tap into your creativity in all you do, and I firmly believe in this. It’s human nature to create and this is how we improve. You can embrace self-expression through: 

• dance 
• painting 
• music 
• writing 
• fashion 
• even in mundane tasks such as how you organize your home  
• or conversations you have with strangers 

We are blessed to live in a culture where we can speak our truth while people around the world are being murdered for this. I mean look at what is going on in Iran where people are standing up and protesting the powerful phrase “Woman, life, freedom” in hopes of gaining the ability to present themselves how they choose without having to be arrested, beaten, and even killed. Not expressing who you are can led to mental health issues and make you feel internally suppressed. On the other hand, being confident enough to live in your truth can create great change and break down barriers. Without some of the world’s greatest leaders, like my personal favorite MLK, being who they were we wouldn’t have been able to learn from them or see the changes that have been made throughout our history. Better yet close your eyes and think of the person you look up to the most, chances are that you wouldn’t hold them at such a high place in your heart if they weren’t living in the truth of who they are. An article titled “what is self-expression and why is it so important” by Janine Hodge in the counseling directory mentioned, “Self-expression offers a way of deciding who we want to connect and belong with. But here is the rub…We can often lose sight of and become disconnected from our own authentic beliefs, attitudes, and values” It’s important to do the inner work and reflect on if you are living out who you are. It’s okay if you don’t stay the same either because we are meant to constantly evolve and change as time goes on and we discover new things about ourselves that we didn’t realize previously. 

Not only is it important for us to express ourselves but also to encourage self-expression in others by creating spaces and cultures of non-judgment, reducing shame, and criticism. Self-expression is healthy and necessary for personal well-being and for cultivating healthy communities. A few ways that you can build on your sense of self-expression is by reflecting on your inner beliefs and values.  

The article that I mention above suggests making a list that investigates: 

• likes  
• dislikes  
• views and concerns 
• figuring out what healthy relationships look like to you  
• What your boundaries are in relationships  
• being self-aware of the language that you use  
• and tuning into your senses 

Once you find out those things about yourself you can incorporate them in the things that you do. We are approaching a new year and with that comes new opportunities to step into your truth. So, I encourage you to take some time to reflect and decompress as we come to the end of 2022. Wishing you all Goodluck on finals and a healthy and happy 2023. 

Sources:  

Women in conservative region of Iran join Mahsa Amini protests | Iran | The Guardian  

What is self-expression and why is it so important? – Counselling Directory (counselling-directory.org.uk)