Against The Grain
It’s truly amazing to witness what can happen when you allow yourself to simply let go of the numerous things or even people in your life that hinder your personal growth and happiness. Over the last couple of years, I’ve made it a habit to actively practice this process of release, and it has profoundly empowered me in a way I often struggle to articulate clearly. Letting go does not dismiss or negate the inevitable suffering and pain that we all encounter; rather, it simply offers grace and compassion to those who genuinely feel the need to find their own way—a different path—toward healing. We live in a world that often encourages us to forget that we are meant to be fully LIVING our lives. So many of us fail to grasp the fundamental difference between altruism and fawning behavior, which can lead to an unhealthy cycle as we prioritize pleasing others over caring for ourselves in a way that allows us to genuinely experience our own happiness. This realization, for me, is how it all began—through the act of letting go. Letting be. Learning to LIVE against the grain of societal expectations in order to wholeheartedly welcome and embrace the most authentic version of my SELF—even in the face of those who may harbor deep-seated disdain towards me, perhaps stemming from the darkest aches of their own souls.
Be you. Be unapologetically you, embracing every unique aspect of your identity. Do it with certainty, holding firmly to your beliefs and values, and most importantly, do it with love and grace, extending kindness not only to yourself but also to those around you.
AG, in case you were wondering, is an acronym that stands for Auburn Gypsy—my alter ego, if you will. You might be asking yourself why I wouldn’t simply use that full title instead of turning it into an acronym and causing people to wonder what it stands for. The reason for this choice is quite simple; even after seriously considering changing the name due to the controversial and sensitive use of the term “Gypsy”—which I promise to discuss further in a separate blog post coming soon—I still cherish and love what it has always signified for me personally. You see, I grew up understanding Gypsy to be the word that represented a human being who broke free from the restricting chains of societal norms and expectations—someone who lived life on her own terms, never needing to rely on or be influenced by the opinions and judgments of others. To me, Gypsy is deeply symbolic of autonomy and the essence of FREEDOM. The woman I have envisioned for most of my life dances around joyfully, adorned in colorful fabrics and fun, symbolic jewelry that holds value only in how it makes her feel in the moment. Gypsy has continually represented the ultimate goal for me, and while I completely understand that there are multiple meanings attached to the word and I truly appreciate the depth of those interpretations, for me, it occupies a sacred space that has been stored within my soul ever since I was a child. I’m choosing to lock it up and let it exist in its purest form.
More recently, the acronym has taken on an even deeper sentimental meaning for me than just Auburn Gypsy. I came to a profound realization that it could also stand for “Against the Grain,” which resonates strongly with my artistic journey. Furthermore, a dear friend of mine, who happens to be one of my biggest supporters throughout my photography endeavors, affectionately calls me “AG.” Therefore, while I continue to cherish the name Auburn Gypsy, it is with great pride that I embrace AG Photography as my creative identity, where I truly remain. <3
AG