The Power of Becoming: What Frida Kahlo and a Taoist Parable Taught Me

Let’s be real. Life is a rollercoaster filled with ups and downs that often leave us wondering, “Why me?” Yet the toughest challenges can spark the deepest growth. This truth came to me through two unexpected sources: a classic Taoist parable and the remarkable life of artist Frida Kahlo.

In some Chinese communities, there’s a saying: “Sai Weng Shi Ma” (塞翁失马), which means “Remember the Old Man Who Lost His Horse.” This Taoist story shows how life’s events can unfold in surprising ways (Wang, 2012). When a farmer’s horse runs away, his neighbors call it bad luck. He calmly replies, “Maybe.” Later, the horse returns with several more horses, and everyone celebrates. Once again, he simply says, “Maybe.” When his son breaks his leg riding one of the new horses, the neighbors pity him. He replies, “Maybe.” Then war breaks out, and all the able-bodied men are drafted except his injured son. What once seemed like misfortune becomes a blessing. The moral of the story is simple: we never truly know how today’s challenges might shape tomorrow’s opportunities.

This idea is that hidden blessings can lie behind life’s struggles. It deeply resonated with me when I learned about Frida Kahlo’s journey. At just 18, she survived a near-fatal bus accident that left her bedridden and in chronic pain. Many would have felt defeated, but Frida’s mother, Matilde Calderón y González, encouraged her to transform her pain into something meaningful. She set up a mirror and a canvas above Frida’s bed so she could paint (Herrera, 1983). What began as a way to pass time soon became a powerful expression of resilience. Through her vibrant self-portraits, Frida revealed her heartbreak, strength, and passion for life. She turned suffering into extraordinary art.

Both the Taoist farmer and Frida Kahlo taught me an important truth. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond. We are all in the process of becoming. We grow through both the highs and the lows if we allow ourselves to.

Inspired by these lessons, I designed the “Say It” tote bag. It features a 1926 photograph of a young Frida Kahlo, taken by her father, Guillermo Kahlo. In this image, Frida isn’t yet the cultural icon we know today. To honor the artist she would become, I added gold hoop earrings and vibrant roses. The word “Becoming” appears boldly on the bag as a reminder that we are all evolving. Beneath it, the phrase “Love Light” encourages us to stay open to guidance, inner strength, and possibility, even when life feels uncertain.

The “Say It” tote isn’t just an accessory. It’s a symbol of resilience and hope. When I face challenges, I often ask myself, “What good might come from this?” The answer may not be clear right away, but remembering these stories helps me move forward. Like the Taoist farmer and Frida Kahlo, we can use hardship as fertile ground for growth.

We’re all navigating a rapidly changing world. May we remember that we are always becoming. We are discovering new strengths, learning from setbacks, and embracing the unexpected.

Let’s celebrate the journey of becoming together.

Let the “Say It” tote be part of your own path toward resilience and growth. You can find it at Westside Market Toco Hill, Space #408 in Atlanta.