There's a quote from Rainbow Rowell's 2013 novel "Eleanor & Park" that's been resonating with me lately, challenging my perceptions of beauty and self-expression:
“Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.”
When I first encountered these words, they stopped me in my tracks. In a world obsessed with appearances, where "looking nice" is often the highest compliment one can receive, this quote offers a refreshingly different perspective.
Unpacking the Quote
Let's break down Rowell's powerful statement:
"Eleanor was right" - This suggests a moment of realization, perhaps after a long period of misunderstanding or disagreement.
"She never looked nice" - At first glance, this seems like a harsh criticism.
"She looked like art" - Here's where the perspective shifts dramatically.
"Art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something" - This is the crux of the message, redefining the purpose of both art and personal appearance.
A New Lens on Beauty
This quote from "Eleanor & Park" has profoundly influenced how I view beauty, both in myself and others. It's made me realize that striving to merely "look nice" is a limited goal. Instead, I've started to ask myself:
Do I evoke emotions in others?
Does my presence challenge perceptions or spark conversations?
Am I expressing my authentic self, even if it doesn't conform to conventional standards?
Living as Art
Inspired by Eleanor, the character from Rowell's novel, I've begun to approach my life as a canvas. Here's how this quote has influenced my daily choices:
Self-Expression: I'm less concerned with following trends and more focused on wearing what truly expresses my personality, even if it's unconventional.
Interactions: I strive to have meaningful conversations that provoke thought or emotion, rather than sticking to safe, superficial topics.
Creativity: I've embraced my quirks and unique perspectives in my work, recognizing that these "imperfections" are what make my contributions valuable and memorable.
The Ripple Effect
By embracing this "art-like" approach to life, I've noticed changes not just in myself, but in those around me. Friends have become more open about their own insecurities and aspirations. Colleagues seem more willing to think outside the box. It's as if by giving myself permission to be "art," I've inadvertently given others the same freedom.
A Challenge to You
So, I leave you with this challenge: How can you be more like Eleanor in your life? How can you transcend "looking nice" to become a work of art that moves, inspires, and challenges those around you?
Remember, the goal isn't to be universally admired or understood. Like any powerful piece of art, you might confuse some and inspire others. But in being true to yourself and evoking genuine emotions in others, you'll have achieved something far more valuable than merely "looking nice."
Let's strive to be more than just pleasant to look at. Let's be art that makes the world feel something extraordinary, just as Rainbow Rowell's character Eleanor did in "Eleanor & Park".