Strength in Vulnerability
Exploring the transformative journeys of women in literature and art
Featured work:
The Last Act – J.P.Holme
Seeking publication
Finally, Nora went to bed. She turned her head towards the window. The halo around the moon was a ghostly white, almost a moon within the memory of a moon. Nora saw her own reflection in this separated satellite, stuck in memory, merely echoing the light of day. With the pressing sensation in her chest still growing, Nora lay there, observing the clouds. They morphed from a circular crown into waves that either blocked or refracted the moon’s light. As these celestial waves drifted by, her tears rolled down her face. It wasn't the dramatic outpouring one might associate with grief, but a steady, rhythmic flow that Nora had learned not to interrupt. Eventually, as is the nature of things, both the clouds and tears moved on, leaving behind golden memories to embrace their subjects in the solitude of the night.
Women in Art:
The Two Fridas, 1939 by Frida Kahlo
A short video explaining this amazing piece of art-
Character Spotlight & Unconventional Reads
This month, I’m excited to explore two fascinating characters who, at first, didn’t really feel like people I admired or aspired to be. But as I spent time with their stories, they became two profound figures from whom I’ve learned so much. We’ll be comparing Celie from ‘The Colour Purple’ by Alice Walker and Circe from ‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller.
Both novels are what I’d call emotionally heavy reads. They take you on an intense emotional journey, one that’s challenging but also transformative.
It’s important to mention that both books depict sexual violence, and while each story approaches this differently, the trauma leaves lasting marks on both women. Still, their stories aren’t defined by this trauma. Celie and Circe’s journeys are about much more; growth, transformation, and finding inner strength.
In both ‘The Colour Purple’ and ‘Circe’, the women begin their stories in a place of vulnerability. But rather than letting that hold them back, it’s their vulnerability that ultimately drives them forward. What’s amazing is that despite living in totally different worlds, these two women share a core similarity: they find strength in ways we don’t usually associate with power. Instead of relying on physical strength or external authority, their power comes from emotional resilience, self-awareness, and their relationships with others.
Celie and Circe both challenge traditional ideas of power. They show us that vulnerability isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s where their strength comes from. And through that strength, they find liberation and a deeper understanding of themselves.
Now, even though their stories unfold in very different ways, the lessons we can take from them are strikingly similar.
In a world where we are often rewarded and encouraged to present only our successes and best selves, Celie and Circe show us that the journey itself, and the vulnerability it can strip us down to, may be the most significant part of our story. Both characters reveal the power of self-determination in the face of oppression. Though their struggles arise in vastly different contexts, Celie and Circe demonstrate that true empowerment comes from within. Whether through forgiveness or rejecting cosmic authority, each character illustrates that reclaiming one’s identity and voice is essential to overcoming deep-seated oppression.
Their stories remind us that the process of vulnerability, transformation, and self-redefinition is not only valid but central to the most profound forms of personal liberation. True power lies not in the perfection of the self but in embracing our journey and choosing our own path.
