Catwoman

Interview #9 – Meg aka Catwoman

When I glance at a piece of artwork I either like it or feel apathetic about it and I very rarely understand it. At closer inspection I’m either turned off by the over-the-top pretension or I’m touched and intrigued, longing to explore the meaning of the piece.

I take a similar approach when meeting new people. And at a closer look Meg had a depth I rarely see in young adults. She was not terribly shy, just quiet. Not nervous, contemplative. I longed to see her from the inside out. She was clearly carrying heartache, insecurity and apprehension but that was blanketed by a courageous wisdom I’d never seen before.

We sat in my apartment drinking root beer and giggling. The rain was pouring outside…again. I knew that Meg’s recent days had been spent studying and creating sculptures, paintings and other fascinating pieces so I explained my mission of encouragement to her and with her permission we started the interview.

Meg spoke of art, philosophy, love, pain, abuse, and secrets. I sat their listening and being thoroughly impressed by her knowledge, creativity and good humor.

She has endured many hardships throughout her life. Abuse of different types and the after shocks that always tag along. But she hasn’t let them overcome her. I think that God gave her the incredible talent she has as a way to heal, emote and when needed, escape.

“When I’m making art, even though I’m drawing from my experience, it’s a therapeutic comforting way to abstractly show my feelings,” she explained.

Some of her emotional wounds are more recent than others but she has had the courage to talk to a counselor and retrain some of her negative thinking. Meg has impressed me many times in the short while I’ve known her. She’s nearing the end of college and has received some very prestigious scholarships. She is living on her own and taking control of her life. I recently cheered for her at an art show she held and although it wasn’t a venue where she could showcase her favorite art pieces it was a stepping stone that let her shine.

I know I will continue to see her grow, value herself more and find those moments of joy in each day!

For those of us recovering from abuse she wants us to know that, “It will get better! Look for the moments in the day that make you happy. Don’t obsess about the ‘what ifs’ and don’t worry about being someone else. Just be the best you, that you can be.”

Every once in a while we are lucky enough to find a friend that touches a fragile part of us that we cradle deep inside. I’ve found that with Meg and it’s amazing to know someone who will never judge me, criticize me or hurt me. She is so much stronger than she can see right now and I can’t wait for the moment she opens her eyes a little wider and becomes the amazing force I already know she is.

I’m going to end with a quote that makes me think of you, Meg:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” –Williamson

Let yourself shine!