Me, Myself and Rogue.

Hello Readers! I ask you to connect to the picture below for a few moments.

Remember her?  Rogue: the powerhouse from 

X-Men. She had the ability to absorb the memories, physical strength and remove the specialities of almost anyone she touches. 

Sounds pretty cool, right? 

Well, the storyline built around her is that she needed to avoid all physical contact until she gained full control over her power. It affected her romantic relationship with Gambit. Imagine not being able to hug or show affection because you could kill another human being? 

In moments of desperation, Rogue turned to Professor X to seek help to control her powers. It took a while for her to be accepted; it was the persistence and the compassion of Professor X to allow the others to give her a chance. 

In many ways, I truly connect with her character. This wave of nostalgia joined me when my best friend randomly said, "Omg- E! You are soooo Rogue. You internalize everything!" (at least that's what I heard). This totally resonated with me.

 I am reminded of this daily as I am challenged EVERY single moment of every single day. To change is a powerful choices that involves moments of rejection, stings and burns. (when do you not fall on your ass during transformation?)

Connecting to others, for me, has been a blessing and a curse. There is a certain sensitivity that is a binding agent of power. For a long time, I chose to play small and it caused creativity was a destructive force. Now, that I recognize and learning how to use my powers constructively, it has been important for me to remember that not everyone chooses to utilize their strength. (I use choice purposely because everything we do involves a choice, even if we can't see that). 

Like Rogue, I thought my power (power can mean gifts) was a curse. In other words, connecting and communicating with others is a blessing and a curse. There have been times when I am confident, and others, as soon as an interaction ends, I think, "what the f was that?" 

Writing, for me has always been the greatest outlet for me. For the past decade, we've had a more off than on again relationship. So, I embrace my inner Rogue, now. Eventually, like her, I will learn to master my own powers. 

I'd love to hear from you! What was your favorite X-Men?