Self expression can take many different forms. It isnāt just about how we present our physical selves, but itās also how we present our souls outward for the world to see. We start out in life being told what to do and what to wear, but as we grow, we begin to develop a sense of self awareness, discovering bits and parts of who we are. Expressing who we are is a vital part of being human. It helps us express our emotions and it gives us an identity, helping us feel complete.
When it comes to showing off our personal style, most often times we develop a āsignature look.ā At a very young age, I had already decided for myself that my look was having long, flowing hair. To this day, my hair still continues to be one of my main forms of expression (coloring, locking, and shaving it) and my security blanket of sorts. So, when my mom gave me a short, above the shoulder, very āinā and āright nowā haircut, it was nothing short of traumatizing for me. I remember feeling embarrassed and as if everyone was staring at me, knowing too, that this haircut wasnāt for me. I thought with my thick hair being this short, it was way too poofy looking. It was just not me, and this was all at the age of 6 or 7. At an early age we are already acknowledging who we are and how we want to express that. As each year goes by, we see more, hear more, and experience more things that begin to influence who we are.
From the day my mom started letting me pick my own clothes, I definitely did right away; and in 7th grade Iāll never forget when she let me do exactly what I wanted to do with my hair. Iām sure she regretted all of this as my teenage years persisted. When my mom took me to the salon that day, I got red and purple highlights. I never felt more like myself. That was the beginning of using my hair and my personal style as a canvas to express how I felt on the inside to the world.
Showing my insides by converting it into something Iāve created on the outside is something I take pleasure and pride in. When you look good, you feel good; and we should all feel good about who we are. Fortunately for myself, peers making fun of me, people judging me, and my mom not always being particularly fond of my style choices, has never stopped me from being me. Weāre all given this shell for a limited time, and I want to decorate and personalize it as much as I can while I can. Everything I adorn my body with is what gives me confidence. So although I might be āprettier without it,ā my large septum piercing is actually one of the things that makes me feel most beautiful. In addition, thereās nothing like picking out the perfect clothing items, putting them together, and creating the perfect outfit. Whether itās a night on the town, getting groceries, or even going for a hike, every occasion requires an outfit. Although, with anxiety this can be a bit of a problem as well; because just like 7-year-old Andrea freaking out over a bad haircut, 24-year-old Andrea will freak out over the wrong outfit. (Just another way Iām expressing myself.) Something is triggered inside saying this isn't the look I was going for, and this isnāt how I was wanting to present myself. Everything I wear reflects my mood and how I am wanting to show myself in that moment, whether that be more feminine, masculine, modest, or flirty. Thatās the beauty of expressing yourself outwardly through your clothing, and thatās why itās one of my most important outlets. Iāve had days where Iāve felt ugly or itās just been a stressful day and playing dress up in my closet has proved to be an instant mood booster.
Itās important that we express our souls for everyone to see, whether itās with style, sports, or any art of any kind. Itās important that we find who we really are and take pride in it. What we have on the inside is completely beautiful. Being able to show ourselves through different forms is an amazing thing, and the feeling we are able to receive from choosing to express and show ourselves is irreplaceable. Whether Iām mindlessly dancing the night away, putting in my biggest piece of septum jewelry, or buzzing the hair off my head, each one gives me a feeling of joy inside: the joy of being able to truly be myself.
-Andrea











