Brushstrokes of Wisdom: Embracing Life's Canvas with Maria

On December 16, 2023, marking our 21st wedding anniversary, I arranged a 'pick your paint' session for my family. The rain added a poetic touch to the afternoon as we entered the studio, discovering that we were the sole participants in this unique session. This was a rare treat compared to our usual experiences, where a single person struggled to manage the attention of a crowded two-hour session.

We enthusiastically chose our paintings, each family member selecting a holiday-themed image: a trio of candles for me, Santa for my husband, and a reindeer for our curious 7-year-old son. I deliberated extensively over my choice, wanting a painting harmonizing with our holiday decor. Maria, the attendant, sensed my hesitation and gently guided me, reassuring me that paint colors could always be adjusted later.

As we settled into our artistic pursuits, Maria directed her full attention to our son, engaging him in earnest conversations about colors, textures, and preferences. My husband immersed himself in his painting, while I grappled with candle outlines, erasing, and redrawing repeatedly. After 20 minutes, Maria, having settled our son, approached us. She commended my husband's progress and then turned her attention to me.

Observing my meticulous efforts, Maria remarked, 'I see a perfectionist here.' Surprised, I inquired how she discerned that. She pointed out my fixation on aligning the candles perfectly and reminded me that I had lost track of time and the joy of painting. She urged me to let go of the pursuit of perfection, advising me to infuse my heart into the process and savor the pleasure of creating.

Maria also foresaw that I'm not someone who takes it easy when things deviate from the plan, noticing it when I was intensely focused on the type of painting I wanted to create and take home.

In that moment, her words triggered a realization of how often I become fixated on my goals and the frustration that follows when plans go off course. I found myself contemplating how fantastic it would be to have someone like Maria around, gently reminding me that life can always be adjusted. What struck me even more was her emphasis on the real challenge: the difficulty of adjusting to the risk of not fully experiencing life amid all its ups and downs.

Her words resonated deeply. How often had I measured my life against someone else's seemingly perfect standard, forgetting to relish my unique journey and talents? Maria's wisdom extended beyond the canvas, highlighting the parallels between the art of painting and the art of living.

Maria's wisdom shone through when she uttered, 'It's your painting, and you can make it whatever you want. Choose any color that speaks to you, and expresses the feelings and emotions that resonate with your soul. There's no rule that your painting must mirror the original. What you perceive as the original might not be original at all. Enjoy the journey of painting.

She shared the essence of creative freedom and personal expression in her simple yet profound words. The reminder that life is like a blank canvas, ready for our unique perspectives, resonates not just in art but also in the broader canvas of life. The idea that our creations don't have to fit predefined notions or external standards is freeing, urging us to embrace authenticity and delight in the process rather than fixate on set outcomes.

Maria's guidance extends beyond the strokes of a brush, becoming a timeless reminder to relish the journey, trust our instincts, and revel in the beauty of our expression.

Following Maria's sage advice, I learned to let go of perfectionism and embrace the joy of creating. Her words resonated in my mind, making me reflect on how often I compared my life to seemingly flawless narratives, overlooking the unique strokes of my journey.

Drawing a parallel between painting and life made me think, leading me to reflect on the bigger canvas of existence. Life, akin to art, is a way we express ourselves by painting our dreams, struggles, and triumphs. It involves embracing imperfections, finding comfort in the journey, and acknowledging the beauty in the distinct strokes we create.

Stepping back, both in thought and action, Maria's wisdom stayed with me. With a clearer understanding, I embraced the spontaneity of creating, letting the brush move freely and colors blend naturally. The candles on my canvas came to life, showing that true living is found in the pure joy of the journey, celebrating each unique stroke on life's canvas.