Horrors of our world

Honestly I thought writing about this would be therapeutic but I don’t think I am ready to be able to put into words everything I am feeling about the genocide that is being committed right now in Gaza. The fact that my country is part of the responsible parties is something I cannot wrap my head around. First let me say, any government groups committing crimes or acts of violence no matter where they are from I do not condone or agree with. I also do not see this as political, Israel’s genocide on Gaza is criminal and a human issue. What is happening right now is on my mind every single day. I feel so much guilt when I am home warm, with food, water, hugging my babies. Simple things. Why should I be so privileged? And yet across the ocean there are humble normal people just the same and because of where they were born they are treated as less than human. It’s so wrong. I remember in the 10 th grade we had to read the book “Night” by Elie Weisel, it left an impression on me so strong I will never forget the things I read about. I also remember after reading it I had some sense of peace knowing Hitler was dead and that couldn’t happen ever again, because it was so wrong and awful no one would allow that kind of history repeat itself. Yet here we are. It’s 2024 and the US and Israel are committing a modern day holocaust on these people. Babies and children. Unarmed civilians just trying to live their life. It has changed my perspective. It leaves me sad for these people because my country is turning their backs to these innocents and pretend like nothing is even happening. These are people. They love their babies, they love their family, their children love their parents more than anything just like us. Why should their existence be so difficult, so traumatic? It is just so heartbreaking. I included a piece of digital artwork I created here. I have been trying to think of some way to raise money to help these people in any way I can, because no one deserves this. What is happening to them is a crime. It is also wrong and unless you are a psychopath I cannot imagine you seeing it as anything different.

Free Palestine! Ceasefire now and forever.

Advice to my teenage self

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

If I could give younger me some advice it would be that your differences from everyone else make you beautiful and unique inside and out. The amazing people you will meet in life will see that. You don’t need to try to make people like you, be yourself because the real you is attractive. And you have a big beautiful heart that will be appreciated in time. Not many people have that much compassion so use it for all the good you can in the world.

Dream Big

What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail.

So I have kind of done this so I don’t know if it counts but I would go completely public with my photography and begin offering mini sessions, and fully open my shop that I have been stashing designs away for. These are both equal passions of mine that are also profitable but I am so afraid of failing that I haven’t fully done either. But also if I had a guarantee of success I wouldn’t hesitate to go all in!

Some older sticker designs…

Humbled

What would you do if you lost all your possessions?

Probably an unpopular opinion but, if I lost everything, I would first be extremely thankful to have my family and loved ones still. But as a normal human I would want some things back so I’d work to get a few material things back. But initially it would be a good experience to literally only have my loved ones. That would be one way to force myself to slow down, and get out of the hustle culture mindset. This would allow me or anyone else to be fully present in the moment with people who matter creating and living our experiences.

Enjoyable experiences