Honorary Citizen of the City Where I Was Born
A life as a message
Since 2014, I have been officially an honorary citizen of the city where I was born. An acknowledgment that resonates deeply within me, not because of the document itself, but because of what it symbolizes.
For a long time, I considered such papers secondary. But today I feel this story needs to be shared. One of my favorite quotes says: “Your life is your message to the world.” And it is through my life that I want to inspire reflection, to be a mirror, a call to awareness and connection.
Between two worlds
After my adoption, I could have chosen to never look back. I could have lived my life in a European country, globally known for its stability, wealth, and influence. But something inside me never allowed that. A living memory kept calling me, a reminder of where I came from.
Even as a child, I was deeply moved by the contrast in Brazil, where mansions with swimming pools exist side-by-side with favelas, separated by only a few meters. Communities where many are born without any opportunity.
My story could have been completely different. I am immensely grateful for the adoption. But I can also say from experience that reconnecting with such a beautiful country as Brazil was extremely challenging, while at the same time feeling that I never fully belonged there.
An identity between contrasts
In Europe, sometimes I was looked at differently, as if my DNA revealed something incomprehensible to that place. This division between two worlds led me into a deep identity crisis.
But I chose to turn that pain into strength, to transform the rupture into a bridge. So that others, especially children, don’t have to endure the same pain. Yes, it is possible to write a different future. I am living proof that when a child is given opportunity, they can flourish. And this can also happen within the borders of Brazil.
A message that needs to echo
Receiving this recognition as an honorary citizen is not, for me, an end point. It is the beginning of a much greater mission.
I want to bring this message to places that need to be touched: to the favelas, where forgotten potential lies, to the halls of power, where decisions shape lives, to any place where inner healing and remembering one’s essence are necessary.
My art and my path exist for this — to remind, to touch, and to activate.
Gratitude and the road ahead
I am deeply grateful for this honor, for the support of so many Brazilians who walk with me, and for all the open hearts.
Soon I will share news about the next steps, projects, travels, and encounters. But above all, I hope my life, with all its complexity, inspires you to reflect, to feel, and to remember who you truly are.
Stay close. The journey is only just beginning.
Official Recognition from the City of Leme
“This official Motion of Commendation (No. 52/2014) was issued by the City Council of Leme, Brazil. Approved unanimously, the document honors Osmin Carlson (born Carlos Henrique) for his unwavering connection to his roots and his role as a bridge between cultures.
The Council recognizes Osmin’s journey not just as a personal triumph, but as a call to action for social justice and collective responsibility. It stands as a testament to the power of opportunity and the enduring bond between a child and their homeland, marking the moment his story moved from a private miracle to a public inspiration for the nation.”
