(This post is part of the Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. I will be writing a post a day for all 30 days. You can learn more about it here: http://info.wegohealth.com/HAWMC2012.)
Calling Batman by Miroslav Petrasko
Study this image for a moment before you begin reading.
Today’s post is an ekphrasis post. Yeah, I know. What the heck does that mean? Ekphrasis is “the graphic, often dramatic, description of a visual work of art. In ancient times it referred to a description of any thing, person, or experience. The word comes from the Greek ek and phrasis, ‘out’ and ‘speak’ respectively.” Thank you, Wikipedia. The directions were to visit flickr.com/explore and write about the image on the page. This is the image that popped up. I didn’t search for anything.
If you know me personally, I am a word nerd. I actually enjoy looking at the dictionary and pondering over words. The Greek origins of the word ekphrasis, “out” and “speak,” are perfect for me and my hyperhidrosis. I am finally speaking out about something I’ve held inside for so long. The longer you keep something inside, the deeper it digs into your psyche. Are you still hiding your excessive sweating and its accompanying mental and emotional tribulations? Try telling just one person. See how you feel afterward. The truth will set you free. State the facts about your hyperhidrosis, and then state the truth.
For me, it was finally saying yes, I was born this way. I have an excessive sweating problem that is uncontrollable. Those are facts. But the truth for me was that I was tired of feeling held back because of my stupid sweat. I was tired of feeling awkward in social situations. I was tired of feeling like I wasn’t good enough for exactly who I am. News flash: I am good enough. So are you. As hard as it is to move forward with hyperhidrosis, it is possible.
I’m not down below the surface of the water anymore. I’m above it, trying to let my light shine and reflect to others the power of possibility. Everyone can be changed if they open themselves to experience. Stop clenching and hiding your hands, feet, armpits, wherever it is that you sweat. Open them wide. Let the drops fall into the water below and blend with the earth.
There’s a bridge to the other side. It may be a long walk, but you can journey over your self-made water and get to the other side. You’ll be able to see where you’ve come from, never forget it, and use it to shine. Water reflects for a reason. See those points at the top of the tower? I’ll be up there. Waiting for you.
Copyright © 2012 My Life as a Puddle
