Becoming

To me, mental health is about being okay with the different versions of yourself that you become over time. Throughout my life, there have been so many times that I've felt like I've lost myself- Whether that was in pursuit of a goal, during a time of loss, or even during times of struggle. The versions of myself that arose out of those situations were something that I really felt a sense of friction towards, thinking that they were bad- or that I should only be a singular version of myself. I thought that allowing myself to change was wrong and that I had to stay tied down to the same beliefs and values that were instilled in me as a kid because I was never good with change. But as I'm getting on later in my years of being a teenager and nearly an adult now, I realize that it's okay to become someone different. It's inherently a part of life. I learned that those moments in which I felt lost in a sense of who I was was a good thing because that very sense of loss was based on an inherent persona I was forcing myself to be. I had to learn to cope with the fact that change, both internal and external, is okay. It's a good thing. Those moments of being lost aren't something to feel hindered about- in those very moments are the most growth. And so, my piece is a creation from that inherent concept of being okay with changing and growing to be a different version- because ultimately, those different selves are still me. Still one singular person. still Likhit Allena. The different fragments of myself in my piece show the differentiating person within me, but not enough to destroy my persona- only change it, whether for better or for worse. For viewers, I hope they can understand that within the chaos of change, there is beauty and continuity to be anchored down by something that they can hold on to through all the changes in their lives and within themselves. However, that journey of understanding must be difficult for them to be able to thoroughly come to terms with that fear of change- which is why I chose graphite. With only shades of gray, the piece becomes harder to pull together- to come to terms with the piece's meaning ultimately should be the gateway of understanding one’s perception on change and continuity. The reason I feel passionate about this piece is because I know that this sentiment is shared by loved ones and friends around me, and I want them and everyone to know that it’s okay to change or for it to occur. Ultimately, this piece is less about myself and more about everyone who struggles with themselves because of change. So to those who are fearful as I once was, I offer them this: “To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly,” – Henri Bergson.