Invisible & Valid

My coloring page explores the challenges of living with an invisible disability. At eighteen, I experienced a life-altering acquired brain injury and found solace in the jellyfish—a translucent creature without a brain, symbolizing fluidity and resilience.

One lasting effect of my injury is difficulty remembering names, which often causes hurt feelings. When I forget a name, others may become consumed by their own emotions, leaving little room for understanding my frustration and shame. Seeking solace, I connected with forget-me-not flowers, imagining them as a tribute to all the names I’ve forgotten and will continue to forget.

In this piece, I placed the flowers where a jellyfish’s brain might be, blending memory and absence in a visual metaphor. Through this work, I advocate for greater understanding of invisible disabilities and embrace radical self-acceptance as part of my journey.