I Bow Down To You.

I’m going to start off with a few things that I feel are so worthy to share, that have defined who you are in the 24 years I've known you.

Also, congrats on turning 24 a few days ago. Wow, you've come a long way.

(I have a joke for you...What goes up but never comes down? Your age. hahaha) Okay, I digress.

...

One of the things I am immensely proud of that you've accomplished, is writing your OWN play. Performing it and getting paid for it. It's something that you're ever so passionate about. Something that you’ve actually been studying for, over the course of your undergraduate degree.

Like how awesome is that? How many 24 year old brown girls can say they're proud of something so creative like that in their university career?

You had the idea about a year ago to write about your journey as an immigrant, and envisioned the play in your head and then went ahead to submit to one of the biggest theatre festivals that were looking for scripts. And then there you were…. on that powerful stage. With 10 pages of monologue under your belt, knowing your cues, knowing the lines, your voice, your dance. Man, can you dance like no one's business. When I watch you dance, I feel the need to dance immediately. When you move you ignite POWER.

One of the other things, I'm proud of you for accomplishing, is surviving high school.

In high school, amongst many things, you were discovering your passion for dance and movement, to the point where you wanted to pursue it at a professional level. I will never forget the time in grade 8, you went up on that high school gym stage to perform a routine, imitating Michael Jackson. Everyone went BALLISTIC. I remember our grade 8 maths teacher came up to you after and said, "That was amazing".

In fact everyone did.

From that moment on, you became known as that girl that dances at every annual concert and show. I watched you evolve. Breaking off slowly from imitating MJ, to finding your own style and owning it, by the time you were set to graduate. Headstrong, and not really giving a shit about what all the other girls thought of you. I admired the courage and the belief that you had, of knowing you were gonna make it big one day. You were gonna move out of that small town into a big city. Flash forward 6 years later, you ended up moving to one of the biggest cities in Canada.

I truly admired your drive to succeed and also being open to failure, being opened to life and experiences, at the cusp of 18 years old.

Another thing I admired is the courage you developed going through skin problems like every other teenager. However, it didn't break you, if anything but made you stronger, over the years. There were days where you would come to school without makeup and not really caring what people thought, especially the other girls.

Your courage is admirable, and I was slightly envious...to be honest. But I also know that you weren't always confident and courageous.

I understand that when you were a child, you were very shy. It makes sense. Growing up in an Indian family with certain standards. I understand that you weren't so encouraged to speak up and out, and to own your voice. I'm so happy that theatre and dance reminded you that you have a voice.

Unfortunately when you're young, you're a sponge, so you take in everything. So when people tell you, "You're shy", countless times, you believe them. Or when someone tells you, "You're not smart enough", countless times, you resort inward and don't speak much, even though you know very well you have a voice.

Despite being naughty and mischievous and vying for attention at that age, you were also well aware that you loved creative things. You could sit for hours and colour and draw and paint and write. All those things you do now as a 24 year old, that have become vital to your well being, in the uncertain times of a global pandemic.

How many brown girls can say, they rely on creative outlets for their well being?

You endured so much over your lifetime; growing up in different houses, constantly moving, your journey from South Africa and then immigrating to Canada.

Not to mention, your vast travel experiences, from Europe to East Asia to the U.S and Canada. Damn. How many brown girls can say they're well travelled before the age of 16?

And then last but not least, hitting puberty at such a young age. Age 9, need I say. Wow. And you came out of that process so strong, so curious, so brave. Yes, you didn't understand it and you felt insecure, and that's normal. But now, you are so beyond brave. I still admire your courage and confidence, even if sometimes it falters, but you always have it when you need it.

Another thing, your body. I understand why you would feel insecure about your body, but man, the curves, the thighs, your strong feet and arms and chest...just your entire body is to die for. You've been so blessed, and taken really good care of by everyone around you. Your ability to attract good people around you is crazy.

You're so self aware and conscious and intelligent and gorgeous, despite whether you believe it or not.

So there it is, an open letter to one of the strongest, most complex, most creative, most kind, sweet and intelligent woman I know....the young woman I see in the mirror everyday. I love you.