Emory Hall’s poem “I Have Been a Thousand Different Women” reflects on the endless versions of oneself that a person embodies throughout their life. The poem encourages embracing and honoring these past selves, acknowledging their role in shaping the individual we become. This theme resonates deeply with the concepts of beauty, makeup, and personal transformation.
Embracing Our Evolving Selves
In the realm of beauty and makeup, individuals often experiment with different looks, styles, and personas. Each application of makeup can be seen as an exploration of a new facet of one’s identity—a way to express the “thousand different women” within. Just as the poem suggests laying flowers at the feet of our former selves, we can honor our past beauty choices, recognizing them as steps in our ongoing journey of self-discovery.
Makeup as a Reflection of Inner Transformation
Makeup serves as a powerful tool for externalizing our internal states. It allows us to align our outward appearance with our inner emotions, experiences, and growth. The act of applying makeup can be a ritualistic practice, offering a moment of reflection and connection with the various versions of ourselves. By embracing different makeup styles, we pay homage to our evolving identities, much like acknowledging the “rivers of wisdom” that lead us toward greater self-understanding.
The Symbolism of the Temple
The poem refers to past selves as “the bones of the temple you sit in now,” symbolizing the foundational role they play in our current existence. Similarly, our beauty routines and makeup choices are built upon past experiments, successes, and lessons learned. Each look we’ve tried contributes to the confidence and self-expression we embody today. Recognizing this connection allows us to appreciate the artistry of our personal evolution.
Forgiveness and Acceptance
Hall’s poem emphasizes offering “incense and honey and forgiveness” to our former selves. In the context of beauty, this translates to letting go of past insecurities or beauty standards we once felt compelled to meet. By forgiving ourselves for any perceived imperfections or misguided attempts to conform, we create space for authentic self-expression. This acceptance empowers us to use makeup not as a mask, but as a celebration of our unique journey.
