Unseen, Unheard, Unshakeable
Changing the narrative from invisibility to invincibility
Growing up, invisibility was often my answer to the question, if you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Back then, invisibility was a strength; an advantage. It seems, even now, like such a great way to go through life in a society where everyone is becoming increasingly visible through social media and technology.
As children, we ran around with a sheet over our heads and two holes cut out for our eyes. We relished in the joy of being unidentifiable. Power and a strange sense of invincibility came with that simple costume as we covered our little bodies and realized our privilege.
Mistakes were blamed on others because after all, who knew whodunnit? Nobody ever sees the culprit.
Random acts of kindness truly can seem random when the performer of the deed is unknown.
The best part though, is the lack of pressure, especially as a woman.
The pressure to be palatable to others. The pressure to behave a certain way and dress a certain way. The pressure to take on marriage and motherhood. The pressure to be perfect.
Suddenly, it all disappears as soon as we envelop ourselves in that clean, white bedsheet.
Why, then, have I spent so many nights in agony feeling unheard and misunderstood as an adult?
Why have I craved attention and validation for so long when true power lies in not needing it at all?
Like many women, I lost sight of the beauty of being invisible.
Have you ever thought about what life would be like as an A-list celebrity in today’s world? Mine might be an unpopular opinion, but it makes me sick to my stomach.
I can’t imagine living a life with no privacy. Fighting off Papparazi and being under the constant scrutiny of the public eye are experiences I will gladly live without.
When put into perspective, it reminds me how lucky I am that everyone on the street doesn’t know my name. I love leaving the house with no makeup on, sometimes hiding in an oversized sweater and a pair of leggings with no fear that my afternoon wardrobe choice will forever define me.
That’s not to say that when I want to be seen, I’m not. Oh, no no no. A woman knows how and when to show up and when she does, she rarely goes unnoticed.
The power lies in the privilege of choice.
Invisibility has a negative connotation associated with it but who said invisibility has to be a bad thing? I think it’s freedom and the chance to be whoever you want, whenever you want.
It’s the ability to choose when to conform and when to rebel.
Invisibility is a privilege that I’m lucky to have so I’m kissing my sorrows goodbye and no longer wishing to be seen. I know the person under the sheet and I know why she does what she does and that is good enough for me.
I’m choosing invisibility to be my superpower from now on.