Essay: A Beauty Worth Admiring By Joshua Dixon: (Featured in Tamela Gordon's Hood Wellness)

What does self-care look like when struggling to make ends meet, living with a disability, or navigating intersectional marginalization? How can you prioritize well-being while divesting from systems built to destroy you? The answer: Hood Wellness, a groundbreaking exploration that challenges the oppressive systems deeply rooted in health and wellness industries in the United States.

In a world where self-care is critical to survival, Gordon offers a revolutionary perspective that celebrates individuals' unique privileges, challenges, and desires. By defying the norms of multi-billion-dollar industries, Hood Wellness illuminates the possibilities...

Joshua Dixon's essay, 'A Beauty Worth Admiring,' is a deeply personal narrative recounting his journey of survival, resilience, and self-discovery following a traumatic pit bull attack that left him with severe injuries at the age of eight. He describes the intense physical and emotional pain he endured during his recovery, including multiple surgeries and the challenges of navigating a world that often treated him with cruelty due to his appearance.

Despite these hardships, Joshua finds solace and strength in his family, especially his mother, who supported him unwaveringly. He shares how his passion for art and photography became a therapeutic outlet, allowing him to express the pain he couldn’t articulate with words and ultimately helping him reclaim his identity and confidence.

Joshua also reflects on the racism and ableism he encountered throughout his life, particularly during his time in school. He describes how these experiences, along with the ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia and mental health challenges, have shaped his commitment to promoting wellness and kindness through his platform, Admire Wear. The essay highlights his growth from a victim to a survivor who uses his story and art to inspire and uplift others.