The Explorer

For too long I allowed other people’s opinions and actions dictate who I was. A job rejection meant I was unworthy. A guy who never called me after the first date meant I was unlovable. A colleague that didn’t acknowledge my hard work meant I was valueless. These lies I chose to believe became deafening to the point that I couldn’t hear my own voice. It was when my friend suggested, as a New Year’s resolution, to doodle a day for a whole year that I began to hear a faint, whisper of myself. In the beginning of my doodle journey I had two simple rules: 1. Draw everyday
2. Despite the imperfections you must post it. My Instagram feed became my public, uncensored visual diary into my everyday life including the emotions and life lessons I experienced. On the 87th day I realized I had developed my own unique, artistic style, but it wasn’t until the 209th day that I recognized the true value of my voice. My voice has the power to decide who I am. It has the power to turn my imperfections into points of interests and my vulnerabilities into strengths. From that day on I promised myself to always honor my voice above all others. Today I wear my pinky ring as a reminder that I’m loved, valued, and purposed.
-Leanne Aranador, www.leannearanador.com