Made Of Starlight...

There is something striking about a single key. For a while now I've had a sort of fascination with keys, specifically those without a set purpose - skeleton keys. At first no one understood why, then it became somewhat of a trend, and now that this trend is passing I'm still here, intrigued. There are so many possibilities and so many meanings behind a simple key. To look at something so ordinary and understand that it has infinite potential allows your mind to wander and your creativity to be set free. A key signifies so much condensed power; those who hold the key - to happiness, to love, to health or something as simple as the key to the front door - hold on to something powerful. Without this tiny object each is lost.

For almost four years now I have worn a key around my neck every day. I get little comments and questions about what the key belongs to. Some as if it is the key to my heart, others ask if I misplace my house key often enough to wear it on a necklace. I smile and laugh, and respond politely. This key is a skeleton key. It belongs to anything I decide it should. It is the key to my heart, the key to my happiness, the key to my success, patience, loyalty, understanding.. the key to my whole self. This key holds more symbolic importance in it's tiny features than you could even begin imagine. And so when I am asked if I ever take it off the answer is simple - no.

I carry it with me to remind me of the power I hold. I am the creator of my fate and my future and I am responsible for the direction my life takes. I dictate my own happiness and success in how much I put into my life and I am responsible for myself. It is so easy to rely on others to make us happy, but it is important to remind ourselves that if we cannot be happy alone and in our own skin we are losing control.

To hand over a key which possesses such importance and power should not be done lightly and without much consideration. And even when it is appropriate to share these things, it is crucial to remember we must always be responsible for holding this key close to our hearts. Because if we do not, there isn't another person who will hold your key nearer to them than their own - and the last thing one wants is to misplace something so important, so personal, so special.

- xx, K.