Let’s start this with a little story, shall we?
The writings on the image above are from my room back in the Dominican Republic. I used to write lots of quotes and short poems. I didn’t know it then, but writing would be a place of safety and free expression for me. It would save me from dark, heavy times and be the teacher of many areas in life I didn’t quite understand.
Little Dhayana was always a very vulnerable girl. She loved to love and be there for people—I still do. When I think of my younger self, I can’t help but feel proud of her: proud of how she always spoke her mind and wasn’t afraid of showing people her heart. Proud of her for being courageous and kind. Proud of her for always reminding me where I come from.
Below is the translation of what I wrote, at least the most visible parts. I must have written this around the age of nine or ten, and, y'all, I don't know what I was going through to have written something so deep (haha):
“Why is it that the world or certain people don’t let you be happy? Why must there always be someone who makes you cry? But sooner or later…”
The other lines are too blurry to make out the rest of the sentences, but it seems like I mentioned love as a way to overcome challenges and stay true to your “why.”
I always make it a priority to revisit images from my childhood to learn things about myself that, as an adult, I have forgotten a bit or need to reconnect with. I encourage you to embark on a similar journey. Take moments to delve into your personal archives, whether through old photographs, cherished items, or fond memories, and allow them to unveil layers of your identity waiting to be rediscovered.
May you never lose touch with your essence; may you always remember the foundation of it all.
This leads me to a word I want to share with my creative souls out there.
I was invited to a wonderful podcast with Narrative Media Co., and they asked me the question: What is something that, as a creative writing mentor, you say or advise to someone who wants to share their creativity but is hesitant or doesn’t know where to start?
And my response was what it always has been, “why.” I always ask them, why is sharing your work important to you? Why is creating, in the first place, important to you? What is the “why” that moves you every day and encourages you to show up? This isn’t an easy question, but an extremely necessary one because as a creative, we will always encounter times of self-doubt, self-sabotage, rejection, and misunderstanding from a few people who do not relate to our work. And so, you must hold on to your “why” to remind you of the reason you started—the seed you planted and are watering patiently until it grows into the most beautiful creation in your eyes; not everyone else’s.
I want you all to remember your roots, your essence. This is where the real inspiration comes from; this is where the constant reminders of "why" you are on this path stem from. Live, feel, and reconnect with yourself as many times as you need to.
Your "why" will change as you change and grow as you grow; so do not be afraid of exploring and experimenting with your work.
Activity:
I encourage you to write down your "why." Take as much time as you need and feel it deeply. Once you have finished writing it, frame it or place it in a visible area where you work. Let it serve as a daily reminder that keeps you rooted and connected to yourself and your "why."
Offerings:
My creative writing workshop, "Feel it, See it, Write it," is scheduled for February 11th from 12 pm to 1:30 pm. If you are a writer looking to participate and engage in a community writing experience, I invite you to register by clicking here.
Thank you so much for being here and always welcoming my words into your everyday life.
With love and gratitude,
Dhayana Alejandrina
after lots of trauma recovery and self examination, I feel very secure in what my why is; now I need the constant courage to see my destiny through.
Thank you for the piece.
Thank you for sharing 😊 I often have a hard time putting to words what my “why” is. Maybe it’s okay that I am still trying to figure it out.