...A Pocas Palabras

This is a true story that happened to me a few weeks ago. If you don’t know, I was born in Venezuela: a country that praises sensuality and ornament. With a long tradition of international beauty pageant queens, it is in our culture, in our identity, to look good. Oddly enough, that custom has only boosted my desire for simplicity.   When I was 18, I weighted 54 kilograms, I used to pull my hair back in a ponytail, everyday. I was slim, had large hips, long neck and a small waist. I didn’t wear make-up or followed trends. My favourite colors to wear were black, blue, and gray. I wasn’t fashionable. I was, you could say, simple. But I felt special, not all eyes were worthy of my beauty (teenage self-esteem). Fourteen years have passed and I am a woman now. Do I even have to say that I don’t look the same? Should I even say it? To you? My dear friend reader who must sense me just a bit by now? Well, I have changed. I am 20 kilograms heavier now.  My hips...

Dear 14-year-old me, Hello darling, how long will it take you to understand and accept that this letter is written from a 28-year-old you? I just turned 28 last Tuesday or I should say you just turned 28 last Tuesday. Throughout the years I have been collecting a series of experiences that I think I can share with you right now through this letter. However, our journey is still not over, don’t you ever think that! I know what you think about the world, I know you convictions. You are strong; stronger than many kids your age, you should know that. You are only starting to discover the world and people around you, as if you were opening your eyes for the very first time. You are lucky, very lucky! You should be a little happier for that reason. And you are a dreamer, you cannot fool me; I know you very well! Isn’t life just a little better in your head? But darling, that is not life. God has given you a broad imagination, use it! It is WON-DER-FUL! You know something? You shoul...