The 'It' Factor

When I was a freshman in High School, I was extremely thin. My waif like frame kept me feeling shy and seemingly unworthy in what I'd feared were the feeling of my classmates. Because of my low self-esteem, I only allowed a select few into my realm of friendships.

One such friend was a young man by the name of Willie. Willie was a comedic fool. A total cutup, especially in the library where we shared a table in pretense of studying, but, where the two of us spent time laughing at his silly jokes and antics.

My friend, Willie, wasn't just a fun guy to be around. I liked that he could make me feel like just a normal teenager without hangups. I suppose if he hadn't come into my life at just the right time, my high school days might have been forgettable.

Willie was an aspiring Artist. He could sketch pictures that led me to believe he'd become well known. One day, my friend asked if he could draw my face. When I laughed and asked why...was he joking? He stated I was pretty and he wanted to draw me.No big deal..."No big deal?"

That moment all those years ago, led me to think that,perhaps, there was something about me, in spite of my lacking what God obviously must have just forgotten to give me.

Some years ago, I met an Artist who frequented creative venues, offering his services in return for a small compensation.This artist offered to sketch me for free.

When I question why he'd do such a thing, he answered that it was because, "You have 'something' about you, that I haven't seen in other 'beautiful' women." Of course, I had to pay him after that, not only for the beautiful works of art, but, for his kind words.

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I have two self portraits, sketched in black and white. One hangs in the foyer of my livingroom. The other I keep placed against the wall in my writing room.

They serve to remind me of the 'something' my friend Willie saw in me so many years ago. The essence that is me,an Artist reaffirmed upon a chance encounter.

Over the years, as young women come to me, seeking counsel on living life experiences, I've often encouraged them to find their light. That part of themselves that for whatever reason, they have forgotten to allow to shine.

I tell them that it's there, waiting to be set free. on occasion,I lend an ear to my own daughter as she travels her journey of self discovery. I tell her that she is right at the place she's supposed to be for now. That hers is a special fire that draws others to its flame. It's a 'thing' she has had since birth... She has only to know it.

What is your essence? That factor that draws others to seek out your presence? Once you define the special thing that makes you, you...turn around and offer it freely to others...