Embracing Dualities: Strength Versus Heart
Being likened to a character from a movie can sometimes tell a tale about us that we may not initially perceive. Recently, a comparison was drawn between me and a character from the much-loved children's film Encanto. Among all the fascinating characters in the movie, I was likened to Louisa - the sister blessed with the gift of unimaginable strength. On the surface, it doesn't seem like a bad thing. After all, who wouldn't want to be seen as strong and resilient? Yet, something else plagued me.
Louisa, a character bestowed with a mighty gift, symbolizes power and endurance. Yet, as I thought more about this comparison, my mind wandered to another character, Maribel. Maribel - the character who embodied the definition of heart.
There is an inexplicable beauty and subtlety to Maribel's character. She may not be the strongest or most gifted, but her immense heart, sincerity, and empathy make her stand out. Her character is a testament to the power of emotions and empathy I identify with on many levels.
Throughout my life, strength has been my companion. I've had to carry its weight, shoulder its responsibility, and wear it as armor. This strength was not a choice but a necessity, born from the ashes of the trauma I endured. Yet, beneath this fortitude facade lies a heart yearning to be seen.
The heart is a remarkable thing. It's where we hold our feelings, kindness, and care. It's where our truest selves reside. And though I am grateful for the strength that has seen me through my darkest times, my heart guides me through this journey of life. I deeply desire people to see me beyond the layers of resilience I have cultivated over the years and observe the depth of love I hold.
While I am certain that strength and heart are not mutually exclusive, they often dance hand in hand in the ballet of life, complementing each other in ways unimaginable. Yet, I aim to always lead with my heart in this intricate dance.
Don't get me wrong, I am flattered to be seen as strong, like a character such as Louisa, who embodies tenacity and strength. However, I feel I align most with Maribel, the girl defined by her beautiful heart. I hope that as life unfolds, the people around me can recognize this, too. While strength can help us survive, the heart allows us to truly live.
Ultimately, the dichotomy of strength versus heart isn't about picking one over the other. Rather, it's about embracing the spectrum of our existence and understanding that, just like Louisa and Maribel, we can be strong and kind-hearted in equal measures. It's about creating space for our strength and heart to coexist harmoniously, allowing us to navigate the world in all our complexity. And that's the character I strive to be - not just Louisa and not just Maribel, but a beautiful blend of strength and heart.
