Embracing the Struggle A-Diary: Muralist

July 19, 2017

Kahlo by Aimah

Today was one of those days. One of those days where everything feels heavy, and the world seems to conspire against you. Here I am, on the 23rd floor, painting a mural in typical Miami weather. The sky is dark, the rain is pouring, and the wind is howling. It's just me, on top of an unsteady scaffold, with no safety harness, feeling the electricity in the air as a thunderbolt crashes nearby.

I paused, brush in hand, staring at the stormy sky. I felt lost, doubting every decision that led me here. My thoughts swirled with the wind, and for a moment, I considered climbing down, giving up. But then, Frida Kahlo's words echoed in my mind:

"Pain, pleasure, and death are no more than a process for existence. The revolutionary struggle in this process is a doorway open to intelligence."

Frida understood struggle, pain, and the transformative power they hold. Her words reminded me that this storm, both literal and figurative, is part of the journey. It’s a process that can lead to profound insights and growth. I took a deep breath, feeling the rain on my face, and decided to embrace the struggle.

As the rain intensified, so did my resolve. I recalled another of Frida's truths:

"I am my own muse, I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to better."

This was my reality. I was not just painting a mural; I was painting my story, my truth. The storm was a metaphor for the challenges I face as a muralist, helping others navigate their struggles and turn them into triumphs.

The wind picked up, shaking the scaffold, but I held my ground. Frida's words fueled my determination:

"They thought I was a Surrealist, but I wasn't. I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality."

This was my reality. I had to remind myself that the power to transform it lay within me. I wasn’t just a muralist; I was a revolutionary in my own right, using my skills inspire others. But first, I had to conquer my own storm.

Looking at the sky, with the rain in my face, I made a decision. I could let the storm defeat me, or I could use it to fuel my art, my passion, my purpose. I chose the scaffold. I tightened my grip on the brush and continued painting, each stroke a testament to my resilience and determination.

In that decisive moment, amidst the thunder and lightning, I told myself: "I can." It was more than just a mantra; it was a declaration of my strength and capability. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil within, but I emerged stronger, more focused, and ready to face whatever came next.

Today, I learned that the revolutionary struggle is not something to fear but to embrace. It’s through these moments of doubt and hardship that we find our true strength and intelligence. I reminded myself that legends are not born in calm seas but forged in the storm.

Tomorrow, I will continue to help others navigate their storms, turning their struggles into stories of success. But today, I conquered my own. And for that, I am proud.

As I write this, the storm has passed, both outside and within me. The mural is taking shape, and so is my resolve. If you ever find yourself lost in the storm, remember that the struggle is a doorway to intelligence. Embrace it, and you’ll find your way through.

Location: 1400 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136

Until next time,

Aimah