There’s a poem I often return to, one that deeply resonates with my journey as a creator, a queer woman, and a human always evolving. It’s Martha Graham’s “Keep The Channel Open,” a letter she wrote to Agnes de Mille. The wisdom within speaks to the core of authentic self-expression, the creative process, and staying true to oneself.
The Power of Authentic Self-Expression
The part of Graham’s letter that gets me every time is:
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.”
This passage isn’t just about creativity; it’s about authentic self-expression—about showing up as your true self, even when fear or judgment threatens to shut it down. For a long time, I struggled with whether my work, my voice, or my very existence was “enough.” I often wondered, “Am I too much?” or “Will they judge me?”
However, Graham’s words remind me that it’s not my job to evaluate how my light is received. My responsibility is to keep that light shining—to keep the channel open for authentic self-expression.
Asking Questions That Honor Your True Self
Now, instead of focusing on perfection, I ask myself different questions:
- Did I honor my light today?
- Was I true to myself, my heart, and my purpose?
- Did I give and receive love with intention?
- Did I impact the world for good?
This shift has helped me keep the channel open, even when it feels messy, and even when the world tells me I’m “too much.” I’ve often been told that I’m too loud, too queer, too passionate, or too alive. Yet, I’ve come to realize that if I’m too much for someone, they can always find less. This realization has strengthened my commitment to authentic self-expression.
The Challenge of Living Authentically
Martha Graham’s letter serves as a reminder that living authentically doesn’t require believing in yourself all the time—it’s about keeping that channel open, staying connected to what makes you unique. Let’s be real: every artist, creator, queer person, or human feels that “blessed unrest” she describes. It’s the restlessness that keeps us growing, loving, and connecting.
For me, authentic self-expression isn’t about achieving perfection. Instead, it’s about embracing the messy, raw, and real parts of yourself—the parts you’ve spent a lifetime discovering. That’s what coming out felt like for me: a homecoming, a return to my true self. It wasn’t about revealing myself to the world; it was about reclaiming who I truly am.
The Journey to Self-Love and Authenticity
Of course, I didn’t arrive here overnight. It took ten years of therapy, self-discovery, and learning to love the parts of me that others told me were “too much.” It also meant forgiving myself for the times I tried to shrink to fit in, abandoning the parts of me that are unique, powerful, and beautiful.
Today, I love myself unapologetically. I’m here to shine, to embrace all that I am, and to let my light overwhelm those who can’t handle it. And if they can’t? That’s not my business. Keeping the channel open is my commitment to authentic self-expression.
Keep Your Channel Open for Authentic Self-Expression
So, my advice is simple: Keep your channel open. Embrace the beautiful, unique expression that only you can offer the world. Love yourself enough to let your light shine, even when it feels scary. And always remember, love wins.
