I saw this picture floating around Pinterest today (Apologies for a lack of credit to the photographer…I was unable to obtain that information) and it made me stop and think. I’m sure there can be different interpretations of it, and I’m not certain of the original intent. Artsy? Meaningful? Deep? To me, it’s all of the above. To me, this picture represents the invisibility that I, and many others, am all to familiar with. In the photo you can see the reflection, but not the actual person behind it. It’s like that in life sometimes…we can see ourselves, and of course we know that we exist, but to others, we become almost invisible.
In one of my classes, we each get a turn at doing a “show and tell.” We bring in a little piece of ourselves and stand at the front of the room, open to questions, so the class can get to know us better. I know, it sounds like Kindergarten, right?! I really do enjoy learning about the individuals in my class who I would not have otherwise interacted with. Well, it just so happened that last night was my turn. I tried to think of something clever to bring and prepared what I might say. I wasn’t entirely excited about it, but I was ready for it to be over so I could cross “show and tell” off my mental list of things to do for the semester.
But then, the class came and went and guess what happened? I didn’t get my chance at show and tell. I was forgotten, invisible. The other girl who was scheduled to go did her presentation, but my Professor completely skipped over mine.
Now, the issue here isn’t show and tell, because in all honesty, I didn’t care much about telling these people about my life. I figured that if they wanted to talk to me, they’d find time so I didn’t want to awkwardly stand there making a presentation about myself. The issue is the idea of invisibility. Of being passed over. This is a regular occurrence in my life-people don’t see me walking behind them and slam the door in my face, my answers aren’t heard, I say hello without receiving a reply. Some days I wonder if anyone has even noticed my presence, or if they even care.
I wonder how many other people out there feel invisible. I’m positive that I am not the only one who has believed she could be the President of the Invisibility Club, so I know there are people out there. People questioning the reason for their existence, or wondering if what they have to say even matters. My heart goes out to these people, because I know the familiar pang of being forgotten all too well.
For those who feel alone, invisible, rejected…you’re not alone. There are people out there who do see you, who do care. Just go outside and look in a puddle, gaze in a mirror, hold a piece of paper in your hand and you will realize that you are visible, and you are worthy. Even if nobody speaks a word to you, there’s someone out there who cares.
Take time to notice someone’s presence today. Say hello, open the door for them, share a smile. You never know who will need it most.
College on Crutches 