“Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.” – Song of Solomon 2:2

Vanessa graces the May 2009 cover of Self magazine, reveals 25 new things about her and reminds us of why we love her so much, why she stands out and why she should be on that cover.

Striking a playful and sweet yet subtly sexy pose, she epitomizes the sheer joy of being a woman, healthy and full of life.

Of being spontaneous and uninhibited in expressing herself, original, imperfect, quirky, sultry, free-spirited, passionate and confident.

Only Vanessa can name her big toe, find snakes sexy, speak unabashedly about her legs, and refreshingly tell it like it is without any thought of how it would be perceived or who to impress.

She speaks of her career aspirations, of wanting to star in an action role a la Angelina Jolie. She clearly has the body and talent to do so. Director Zack Snyder recognised that and offered her a role in his much anticipated Sucker Punch.

With that as a stepping stone, she can go on to develop her talent further, and steadily but surely, build up a solid resume. Solid achievements take time and patience.

She clearly does not take herself or life too seriously and is therefore able to relax, appreciate the ridiculous and always find something to laugh about and enjoy, whatever else is going on around her.

You would think that she would have gotten the memo that there are a lot of psychic naysayers obsessed with prophesying doom about her career prospects. They’ve ruled that she has no future outside HSM but are as addicted to news about her as cocaine addicts are to cocaine.

The naysayers are like angry waves hurling themselves unsuccessfully at an unbeatable rock, she remains unfazed, exuding a quiet strength that will not be worn down, a determination that is neither brash nor forward nor forced, an essence of grace and poise that can not be shaken.

Her strength lies in quietness and confidence; she rarely acknowledges unfounded criticism, neither does she attempt to defend herself nor make overtures to anyone.

She refuses to jump on to the popularity bandwagon, attempting to be all things to all people in order to be liked by everyone.

She’s chosen freedom to be natural and be herself over the desire to be liked and accepted. She doesn’t need that kind of affirmation or hype. It might take time but she’ll get where she wants to be, enjoying the process of getting there without losing herself.

Vanessa’s self-esteem is inherent; it has nothing to do with public opinion about her or the impression she is making on anyone.

She is who she is and will remain so irrespective of what people think, or what they expect her to be, or what they say. That’s the best kind of freedom, and sense of self.

That’s why she deserves to be on the cover of a magazine that celebrates self.
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