The Power of Being Utterly Yourself—And Owning It
Have you ever had one of those moments where everything suddenly clicks? That realisation that all the things—your art, your thoughts, the people around you—are actually part of a much bigger picture? That’s what this story is about. Trusting the journey. Following the nudges. And letting those small, curious moments shape something bigger than you expected.
It All Began with a Feeling
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been doing deep personal work—visualisation, abundance practice, and parts work. One day during a visualisation, my 14-year-old self showed up. She felt scared, angry, unseen. And in that moment, she started shouting, “It’s safe for me to be seen!”
It hit me hard. I realised that this part of me—still holding onto old wounds—was keeping me small. Not out of fear of failure or lack of ambition, but fear of visibility. That moment cracked something open. It explained so much.
The Nice Towels and a Big Realisation
That insight came days before I reached for a towel and paused. Not just any towel—a nice towel. And I nearly put it back, thinking it was “too good” for me. That tiny moment revealed something huge: deep down, I didn’t feel worthy.
It’s funny how the smallest things show us the biggest truths.
The Pineapple That Changed Everything
At Ceramic Art London, I felt out of place on the first day. But on day two, everything changed. Why? I wore my pineapple fascinator—a beautiful piece made by our community member Marita.
Something about that playful, bright piece helped me feel grounded and bold. I walked taller. I connected more easily. I didn’t shrink or apologise. I was just me—and it felt amazing.
The Art That Found Me
Later that day, I listened to Sally McDonnell speak about her work. She shared how headpieces had become symbols of transformation in her sculptures. And right then, something clicked.
I found myself face to face with one of her sculptures. It was covered in spiral patterns, something I’ve been drawing for years. It felt like it was made for me. I knelt down and whispered to myself, “This is my piece.” And I bought it.
I named her Ginormica—after my visualisation of growing tall, taking up space, and stepping into power. The piece is a reminder: It’s safe for me to be seen.
From a Pineapple to a Movement
Years ago, I picked up a pineapple on a whim to use in a workshop. I never expected it to become a symbol in our community—of focus, intention, connection.
That little moment grew into something huge. Our members now wear pineapple badges, spot each other on the tube, and show up for each other with love and pride. And it all began with one silly, joyful idea.
It reminded me that those playful ideas that don’t always make sense? Follow them. They often lead to the most profound moments.
You Deserve the Good Towels
If there’s anything I want you to take from this story, it’s this: you’re worthy of the nice towels. Of the attention. Of the connection. Of the success. You don’t need to earn it or apologise for it.
Just show up. Be you. Trust that the dots will join.
The pineapple, the towel, the visualisations, the artwork—they’re all symbols. Reminders that your journey matters. That playfulness is powerful. And that you’re allowed to take up space.
So go wear your version of a pineapple. Speak your truth. And don’t be afraid to be seen. The world needs more of the real you.
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SHOW NOTES
ART VILLAGE BY ALEXANDRA BREEZE
This is the incredible art from Alexandra Breeze that represents the homes from members of our community.
GROUP PICTURE OF HUB MEMBERS AT CERAMIC ART LONDON
ME AND GINORMICA (ART BY SALLY MCDONELL)
Have a great week & take care,
Michelle xo
