Every single day, I wake up and take a glimpse of where I am now

"Every single day, I wake up and take a glimpse of where I am now compared to where I was before, and the work that we have all put in to be in this space. I think of that, and being able to express myself through my art and show up and be present - that's activism, advocacy, and artistry in itself." These words, spoken by Mj Rodriguez, are not mere reflections of personal achievement but profound insights into the nature of progress, self-expression, and the role of art in creating change. Her words stir the soul, for in them, she encapsulates the essence of what it means to truly arrive at a place of power and purpose. It is a reminder to all who listen that growth is not only measured by where one stands, but by the courage and effort it took to get there.

Let us first consider the nature of progress, the force that drives us ever forward. In the ancient world, the concept of growth was often linked with the gods themselves, who guided the fates of mortals. The great Heracles, whose labors are etched into the annals of history, was forced to confront not only external challenges but also the inner struggles that came with each battle. It was through his persistence and his ability to reflect on the road behind him that he ultimately found victory. Mj Rodriguez, too, reflects daily on her journey. She does not take her growth for granted but honors the work she has put in to reach this moment—a moment where she can not only reflect, but express her most authentic self. This daily act of reflection, this grateful awareness, is a form of wisdom that we too must practice. For it is only by understanding where we have been that we can truly appreciate the journey ahead.

The artistry that Rodriguez speaks of is not merely the work of creating beautiful things, but the act of making the invisible visible. In her case, it is the expression of identity, the shaping of her experiences and struggles into a form that can be shared with the world. This is the highest form of artistry, where the artist’s soul is poured into the work, and in doing so, that very work becomes a bridge between hearts and minds. We have seen this before, in the works of Michelangelo, whose sculptures were not just marble and stone, but expressions of the human condition itself. Through his art, he revealed not just the physical form, but the spirit that resides within it. Rodriguez, through her art, gives us the same gift—her work becomes a platform for activism and advocacy, speaking truths that must be heard and seen.

In this, Rodriguez reminds us of the power of being present. To show up, to be seen, is itself a revolutionary act. Throughout history, there have been those whose mere presence in a room, in a movement, or in the world was an act of defiance against the forces of oppression. Think of the suffragettes, whose presence in the streets, demanding the right to vote, was a form of activism that cannot be erased. Their very existence in the spaces they fought to be included in was a message to the world that they would not be invisible. Rodriguez stands in this long tradition, where to show up as one’s full self, in all the complexity and richness of identity, is a form of protest—a way of standing in the face of a world that often seeks to silence or marginalize. Being present is not a passive act; it is a bold declaration of self-worth, of individuality, and of resilience.

And so we must ask ourselves: What does it mean to be present? To be present is not merely to take up space, but to claim it—to infuse it with purpose and meaning. Rodriguez's daily reflection on where she has come from and where she is now is a reminder that the work we do in our own lives—whether through our craft, our service, or our advocacy—can be transformative. Each day, we must ask ourselves, how can I be present today? How can I contribute to the world around me with my art, with my voice, with my actions? It is through this commitment to showing up that we create change, not just in ourselves, but in the world we inhabit.

As we contemplate Rodriguez’s words, let us also remember that activism is not always about grand gestures or speeches. Advocacy does not always require the roar of a crowd. Sometimes, the most profound activism is the quiet, everyday act of being—of existing fully in a world that often tries to diminish us. Rodriguez’s activism is in the act of showing up, in the daily work of being true to herself, and in using her art to speak the truths that need to be heard. This is a lesson for us all. We do not need to wait for the perfect moment to act; every moment is an opportunity to show up, to be present, and to use our voice—whether through words, actions, or art—to create a world that reflects the truths we hold dear.

Finally, let us carry this wisdom forward into our own lives. Like Rodriguez, we are all called to reflect on our progress and to express our truths. Whether in art, in action, or in the spaces we occupy, let us be present, let us be visible, and let us use our voices to advocate for the change we wish to see. For in this work, we find not only personal fulfillment but the power to shape the world into a place where all can truly show up, speak out, and be seen.