Alopecia World
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what beautiful people!
I had started writing a long, in depth exploration of several issues I have been thinking about since I joined Alopecia World over the weekend. My plan was to post it here, and for it to be insightful and interesting. It was going to include a social and psychological commentary on identity, beauty, and acceptance (or the struggle for it). I have the blog entry saved, and hope to rework it and post it at some point. I think it has potential :). But...it was simply taking too long to get out on "paper" (i.e. the screen), and there was something important that I just really wanted to say. I was getting impatient with myself, because I kept clouding the thought with all the theory and explanation. When really, what I want to say is just so simple. So here it is.
As I've been looking at the pictures on this site, and viewing members' personal pages, I've been struck by the same reaction over and over. I am absolutely amazed at how beautiful everyone is. I don't meant a simple thought in my head, like "oh these people have such pretty faces". I mean, instead, an experience on a gut, emotional level. I am moved. I really believe that my reaction is not simply because I also have Alopecia and am relieved to finally see a bunch of people who look like me. In the past, perhaps this would have been the case. This time, I think what I am reacting to is the raw, organic beauty of all of you in these pictures. I am seeing more than faces. There is a kind of innocence, a purity and humanity that emerges from each and every person. I don't have this reaction to pictures I see of models or celebrities in magazines or on the web. This is something unique and special to those of us with Alopecia. Gives me shivers just writing it down....
I wanted to share this with everyone. Because we should all feel beautiful, and know how beautiful we are. I know firsthand how hard it is to hold onto these positive thoughts. They come for such fleeting moments, and so I struggle to stay positive and feel beautiful every day. But hopefully with this post, I can inspire myself (and others) to hold on for just a few more beautiful seconds...
As I've been looking at the pictures on this site, and viewing members' personal pages, I've been struck by the same reaction over and over. I am absolutely amazed at how beautiful everyone is. I don't meant a simple thought in my head, like "oh these people have such pretty faces". I mean, instead, an experience on a gut, emotional level. I am moved. I really believe that my reaction is not simply because I also have Alopecia and am relieved to finally see a bunch of people who look like me. In the past, perhaps this would have been the case. This time, I think what I am reacting to is the raw, organic beauty of all of you in these pictures. I am seeing more than faces. There is a kind of innocence, a purity and humanity that emerges from each and every person. I don't have this reaction to pictures I see of models or celebrities in magazines or on the web. This is something unique and special to those of us with Alopecia. Gives me shivers just writing it down....
I wanted to share this with everyone. Because we should all feel beautiful, and know how beautiful we are. I know firsthand how hard it is to hold onto these positive thoughts. They come for such fleeting moments, and so I struggle to stay positive and feel beautiful every day. But hopefully with this post, I can inspire myself (and others) to hold on for just a few more beautiful seconds...
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Comment by brian kirchman on March 10, 2008 at 12:25pm
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well put. iv been haveing the same thoughts. i get so exited when i come back and see the members grow, more beutiful people to get to know
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Comment by Vahishta on March 10, 2008 at 3:15pm
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Emily, that is just so wonderful. It's too bad that in our everyday life we get so caught up with all the little things that make up our life that we sometimes forget to see the bigger picture and to look a little longer and deeper at things that should really matter.
Yes everyone is beautiful in their own way and every now and then, it bears remembering.
Vahishta
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Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on March 10, 2008 at 4:37pm
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Hi Emily,
I could not agree with you more. I was thinking a similar thought myself the other day. I was looking over profiles and watching the slide show and thinking these people are truly beautiful. I catch myself smiling at lot as I look at them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Comment by Dotty on March 11, 2008 at 8:10am
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Emily,
That was just beautiful I am sitting here crying like a baby. I so totally agree!!! My favorite pastime is talking to Alopecians, and making new Alopecian friends, as they are the best in the whole, wide, world!!! They are all beautiful, compassionate, and truly amazing people, barring NONE!!! Thanx again for the lovely start to my day. I hope to get to know you much better.
Love and Hugs to you.
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Comment by Maureen on March 14, 2008 at 4:49pm
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Hi Emily, Wow I thought the same thing while looking through this sight. I am learning that you can be bald and still be beautiful. I will feel like I have accomplished this for myself when I don't feel like I have to wear a wig, that I chose to wear a wig!
thank you for your thoughts.
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Comment by jamie1 on September 21, 2008 at 5:21am
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Oh Emily, I am so moved by your words and could not agree more.
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