32. With Kindness

Me, relaxed, holding a cup of tea, mostly nude, with my scars visible

Background: For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with accepting and loving my whole self. I have had a lot of challenging experiences in my life that have left sometimes very deep emotional scars. When things are going well, it’s easy to love and accept myself, but when times are hard and my scars are aching, it gets tough. I have been able to turn a page this fall, and have learned acceptance and love for myself even when I am hurting through loving kindness and mindful meditation. After going to a few artist collective open houses recently, and experiencing the power of others expressing themselves, I felt inspired to put stylus to screen and show where I feel scars in my body when I am having a tough time. Doing this was a practice in self acceptance and love, as well as a way to make my experience tangible.

[Scars Hidden Alternate]

14. Hat

A long running joke in our relationship is my wanting a cowboy hat, and my husband strongly disapproving of the idea. One day!

man smiling: what do you think of my new hat? spouse-man: no. absolutely no cowboy hats! man: aw. you're just jealous!

13. Dark Mirror

I have been trying to sum up how the last four years in the US have felt, seeing people who look like me that come from similar backgrounds be so full of hatred

man looking into a mirror with a sad expression. the reflection is smiling maliciously

12. Coping

Paying homage to a classic

coping: man laying on sofa listening to music with headphones while fire rages outside window

11. Tower-19

pixel art. man facing out open door in decaying stone tower, looking at night sky full of stars

10. Vacation

Spouse man to man sitting at table with laptop computer: We should really take a vacation. Laptop computer screen: the world is closed. Man: Right. Staycation it is.

7. Preparing for Parenthood

Man holding crying baby upside down: how do I make it stop?! spouse-man: I don't know, it didn't come with a manual... baby: WAAHHH!

6. Holidays

5. Rock

4. Beard

3. Moving

1. What?

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