The deep need to express ourselves is one of the things that make us human. We want to be heard. To communicate our thoughts and desires. And hopefully to be understood as well. This is most readily apparent in children. Anyone who has spent any amount of time with a child will know how freely they share their ideas, without fear or second guessing. This is our natural state. But, as we grow older, we are gradually conditioned to accept that there are consequences to the things that we express. Societal pressures have the tendency to stifle original thought and any display of individuality or a break from the norm. It is by pushing past these impediments to the spirit that it is possible to truly find oneself. While it is true that the first method of free expression that is open to any one of us is the ability to share our opinions with those who we know personally, this is often not enough. Luckily, there are many alternative roads open to those who would like to connect with others in a more profound way.
Fashion – The way that we look says more about us than some realize. While it is true that, for many, getting dressed every day is little more than a good way to observe the rules of common decency and avoid a trip to the county lockup, even this lack of any message sends a particular message to others. What does the world know of you? Do you care about your appearance or not? Was it thrown together or an organized statement? From donning the traditional business suit to getting decked out in motorcycle gear from head to toe, this sends a message about you. This can certainly be taken a step further though, if you are so inclined. For example, if someone is dressed in their best Goth attire, all black and flowing with makeup to match, it makes for a very strong first impression. What we wear gives people an initial idea of who we are, and is a form of self expression.
Tattoos – Body art is another way in which we can communicate any message that we want to send. The beliefs and ideas that someone holds strongly enough to etch into themselves permanently are certainly powerful ones to them. There are many different designs and patterns to choose from for those who are into this form of expression. Tattoos can, and should, be customized to fit the person. Whether it is a favorite football team’s logo, an expert rendering of a dragon, or a verse out of The Rubaiyat, those you meet will know a little something more about you.
Art – From sculpting, to painting, to illustration, creating art is another highly respected form of self expression. A piece of art can send a powerful message that goes beyond words, communicating on a purely emotional level with the viewer. It can not only give people a glimpse into the world that you live in, but also into the world inside the depths of your imagination. If you can think it, you can create it here, bending the fabric of reality as you see fit.
Photography – Photos can be much more than the simple tools of remembrance. They are moments in time. A peek into a life that may be foreign to your own. The camera can help people to understand what life is like halfway around the world. Or it can even give one a brand new perspective on things that they see every day. How many of us really stop to look closely at our surroundings? The sunrise from a unique angle or a close up of a butterfly batting its wings can be profound images. A skilled photographer can capture glimpses of joy, tragedy, and still moments with an unflinching lens. He or she can express to others a view of their surroundings as if through their own eyes.
Writing – The power of the written word cannot be denied. For centuries, it has both informed and entertained the masses. What better way could there be to get your point across than by just jotting it down, in no uncertain terms. Whether it’s strictly the facts or a fictitious story, there can be a lot of truth both in the lines and between them.
Making it a point to express yourself really does so much for you. It can help to relieve depression, channeling sadness into a masterpiece. It can be a wonderful cathartic release, lessening stress, anxiety, boredom, malaise. In modern society, there is no reason at all not to make your voice heard. Getting a point across to a wide audience has never been so readily achievable as it is now. With the advent of the internet, practically anyone can have a virtual place to call their own, where they can showcase what is important to them. All that is required is to turn it on. Whether your chosen form of expression emerges in what you wear, what you paint, or the simple purity of the written word, it can be put on display online if you want it to be. As long as there is a voice within us, we are free. Express yourself today.