Frida Kahlo. Just hearing the name conjures up images of bold, unapologetic self-expression, vibrant color palettes, and a confidence so fierce it could knock over a stack of easels. She wasn’t just a painter; she was a living, breathing work of art. Frida’s fearlessness didn’t come from a lack of struggles—quite the opposite. Her life was a kaleidoscope of triumphs, tragedies, and tequila-fueled tenacity. So how can we channel a little bit of Frida’s magic into our own lives? Let’s break it down, step by bold, colorful step.
1. Own Your Pain and Turn It Into Art
Frida once said, “I paint flowers so they will not die.” But let’s be real—she didn’t just paint flowers. She painted her pain, her joy, her heartbreak, her unibrow (more on that later), and every vivid emotion in between.
Frida’s life was marked by physical and emotional suffering. After a near-fatal bus accident at 18, she endured over 30 medical surgeries and chronic pain for the rest of her life. Did she wallow in self-pity? Probably a little (she was human, after all), but she also used her suffering as fuel for her art. Her self-portraits tell stories of anguish, resilience, and healing.
At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.
Frida Kahlo
Your Takeaway:
We all have our battles—whether it’s a bad breakup, a dead-end job, or just trying to figure out why your sourdough starter keeps dying. Instead of letting these struggles consume you, turn them into something creative. Write, paint, sing, dance, or even meme your way through the pain. Frida taught us that your greatest hardships can be the canvas for your most powerful self-expression. Plus, it’s cheaper than therapy.
2. Be Unapologetically Yourself (Yes, Even the Unibrow)
Frida didn’t just rock a unibrow—she owned it. While the rest of the world was busy plucking, shaving, and waxing themselves into conformity, Frida leaned into her natural features so hard she made her unibrow iconic. She even painted it proudly in her self-portraits, turning what others might see as a “flaw” into a trademark.
And let’s not forget the mustache. Frida didn’t just embrace her facial hair; she celebrated it. She refused to conform to society’s rigid beauty standards because she knew her uniqueness was her superpower.
Your Takeaway:
Stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Got a quirk? Flaunt it. Whether it’s your gap-toothed smile, your love for pineapple on pizza (we won’t judge… too much), or your obsession with crocheting miniature hats for cats, own it! Frida teaches us that the things we’re tempted to hide often turn out to be the very things that make us unforgettable.
Fall in love with yourself, with life and then with whoever you want.
Frida Kahlo
3. Dress Like You’re the Main Character
Frida’s wardrobe was as vibrant as her artwork. She was known for her traditional Mexican Tehuana dresses, bold jewelry, and flowers piled high in her hair. But her style wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a form of self-expression and cultural pride. Frida used fashion to tell a story about who she was and where she came from.
Even when she was bedridden, she didn’t let that stop her from dressing up. She’d drape herself in gorgeous fabrics and adorn herself with earrings, turning her bed into her personal runway.
Your Takeaway:
Life’s too short for boring clothes! Channel your inner Frida and dress in a way that makes you feel alive. Wear the statement earrings, the neon blazer, or the boots that make you feel like you could conquer a small nation. And if anyone says, “That’s too much,” just give them your best Frida side-eye and say, “Too much for who?”
4. Speak Your Truth, Even If Your Voice Shakes
Frida Kahlo was never one to shy away from tough conversations. Whether it was about her politics, her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, or her own body, Frida spoke candidly and fearlessly. Her art was often deeply personal, tackling topics like infertility, heartbreak, and identity in a way that was raw and revolutionary.
She wasn’t afraid to challenge societal norms, either. Frida was openly bisexual during a time when such topics were taboo, and her art frequently explored themes of gender, sexuality, and power.
Your Takeaway:
Speaking your truth is scary. (Heck, it’s hard enough to send back undercooked pasta at a restaurant.) But Frida reminds us that vulnerability is a superpower. Whether it’s through your art, your words, or your actions, don’t be afraid to show the world who you really are. Your truth might inspire someone else to find theirs.
5. Surround Yourself With Passionate People
Frida rolled with a crowd of creatives, intellectuals, and revolutionaries. Her circle included luminaries like Leon Trotsky, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe. While her relationship with Diego Rivera was famously tumultuous (read: soap-opera level drama), there’s no denying that their shared passion for art and activism fueled Frida’s creative fire.
Frida thrived in an environment of big ideas and bold personalities, and she wasn’t afraid to challenge or collaborate with the people around her.
Your Takeaway:
You are the sum of the people you surround yourself with. Seek out friends, mentors, or collaborators who challenge you, inspire you, and maybe even scare you a little (in a good way). If your current crew doesn’t light your creative fire, it might be time to find a new tribe.
6. Embrace the Chaos of Life
If anyone could teach a masterclass in rolling with the punches, it’s Frida Kahlo. Her life was a whirlwind of accidents, surgeries, betrayals, and heartbreaks. Yet, she never stopped creating. Even when she was confined to her bed, she set up an easel and kept painting.
Frida didn’t wait for life to be perfect to start living. She embraced the messiness of it all and used it as inspiration for her art.
Your Takeaway:
Life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally throws a metaphorical bus crash your way. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to start that project, take that trip, or wear that outfit. Frida teaches us that beauty can be found in the chaos, and sometimes the best stories come from the most imperfect moments.
Everything can have beauty, even the worst horror.
Frida Kahlo
7. Celebrate Your Roots
Frida’s love for her Mexican heritage was evident in everything she did, from her art to her clothing to her activism. She drew inspiration from indigenous Mexican culture, folklore, and mythology, blending them with surrealist elements to create a style that was uniquely her own.
Her pride in her heritage wasn’t just about preserving tradition—it was a way of asserting her identity and reclaiming her narrative.
Your Takeaway:
Take a page from Frida’s book and celebrate where you come from. Whether it’s through your art, your cooking, or just learning more about your family history, embrace your roots. Your heritage is a rich tapestry of stories, and Frida reminds us that those stories are worth honoring.
8. Leave a Legacy That’s Unmistakably YOU
Frida didn’t just leave behind a collection of paintings; she left a legacy. Her art continues to inspire people around the world, and her fearlessness in the face of adversity has made her a symbol of resilience and individuality.
But Frida wasn’t trying to be a role model—she was just being herself. And that’s the most inspiring thing of all.
Your Takeaway:
You don’t have to be famous or paint self-portraits to leave a legacy. Your legacy is the impact you have on the people around you and the world you create for yourself. Start small if you have to—be kind, be bold, and, most importantly, be authentic.
Final Thoughts: Channeling Your Inner Frida
Being fearless like Frida Kahlo isn’t about never being afraid—it’s about embracing your fear and showing up anyway. It’s about turning your pain into beauty, celebrating your quirks, and living life unapologetically on your own terms.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What would Frida do? The answer is probably something bold, messy, and unapologetically fabulous. Now go forth and create your masterpiece—unibrow optional.
P.S. Remember: Life’s too short for boring clothes or boring art. Channel your inner Frida and paint the world with your unique, fearless spirit.
