Living between art and ultiple sclerosis
We don’t need a spotlight to exist fully
When I began painting her, I thought about all the ways we seek validation. In mirrors, social media, or someone’s compliment—we wait to feel seen. However, the woman in this artwork doesn’t wait. Her eyes are closed, and still, her glow radiates effortlessly.
Right from the first layers, I let go of the idea of perfection. Instead of planning every detail, I allowed intuition to guide me. I glued paper, added gesso, and released pigments and inks across the canvas. Each layer became a quiet act of surrender. Over time, the textures began to reflect something deeper: not what I wanted her to be, but who she already was.
The red lipstick moment
What stands out most is her lipstick. It’s not just color—it’s energy. We’ve all had that moment: standing in front of a mirror, adding a touch of red and whispering to ourselves, “I’m still here.” That lipstick doesn’t shout. Yet it reminds us that boldness often begins in stillness.
A floral crown full of meaning
The three flowers in her crown—a pink one and two bright yellow—aren’t just pretty. They carry symbols of growth, joy, and self-love. Not the kind that shows up when life feels perfect, but the kind that persists even on heavy days. In fact, they bloomed as I painted them, layer by layer, reminding me that beauty can grow even in silence.
You are already enough
So many of us carry this quiet question: “Am I okay as I am?” My answer, through this piece, is a soft but steady “Yes.” Even if you’re still figuring it out. Even if your confidence wavers. Even when the world forgets to reflect your light back to you.
You were never meant to shrink in order to be accepted. Your essence doesn’t need an audience to matter.
A gentle reminder to carry with you
You don’t have to wait until you’re “ready” to feel beautiful. You already are.
✨ Let this painting remind you of that.
Send it to someone else who might need this today.
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Spanish version.
