Day 28 - Constructing my Pyramid

Today, my challenge is to create my version of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid. As a refresher, these are basic needs such as food, water, and clean air, then shelter, a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and finally self-actualization.

I will start from the bottom of the pyramid, as is customary. My basic needs are gluten free, meat free foods, clean water, and coffee. I stopped eating gluten 6 years ago and my gut has thanked me for it by working as intended.

I stopped eating meat a little over 2 years ago after watching the movie, Okja. Don’t watch it if you want to keep eating meat. I’m a terrible vegetarian because I don’t like many vegetables, but I’ve found that I can hide them in different lentil dishes. I don’t drink much coffee, but it is a vital part of my morning ritual.

My shelter is a house I’ve lived in with my little family for close to 20 years. It’s a big old farmhouse, built in 1880 and it’s a money pit, but it’s our home. We are getting new a/c and heaters soon and I’m looking forward to a toastier winter and an even chillier summer next year.

I find a sense of belonging that resonates deep within my heart whenever I am embraced by my community. Whether I am surrounded by my cherished friends, my loving family, or my advocacy brothers and sisters, there's an undeniable harmony that envelops me, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences, unconditional acceptance, and genuine connection.

In these moments, I am reminded that our collective stories, diverse backgrounds, and common journeys create a sanctuary where I am unconditionally valued for who I am, a place where authenticity reigns supreme and where the kaleidoscope of identities merges to form a beautifully united whole.

I've been fortunate to foster a genuine liking for both my inner and outer self. I appreciate my appearance and the unique features that define me. The idea of concealing my natural look with makeup has rarely crossed my mind. The only exception came during the vibrant phase of my life in my 30s when I indulged in performance makeup for my belly dancing endeavors. Even then, it was a choice, a creative expression, rather than a compulsion.

Self-actualization appears after the journey of self-acceptance and has, for me, been a testament to celebrating authenticity, owning every facet of who I am, and cherishing the beauty that radiates from within. My experiences, those tinged with pain and those that gleamed with positivity, have been illuminating.

Stock image provided by Unsplash.