One day a friend asked me: “What’s life all about? ”

WOW! What a challenging question! Isn’t it?
I was reflecting about it when my intuition kicked in and reminded me of a wonderful metaphor, perfect to explain what life is to me.

IMAGINE A PAINTING SCHOOL.

When you get there you receive a blank canvas and find other students painting.

Some students are there for many years.
There are all types of paintings: from masterpieces to destroyed pieces.
Paints, brushes, and all material are around the room.
Some are accessible and others in difficult places.
Even though it’s a school, there is no teacher. It’s all up to you.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN THIS SITUATION?

Would you get any brush and spread painting on your canvas?
Would you observe people working and copy someone talented?
Would you put your canvas with others to create a big painting as a team?
Would you try to create something original and learn from your own mistakes?
Would you just use the accessible material or would you reach out for the ones in difficult places?
I THINK LIFE IS LIKE A PAINTING SCHOOL. THE BRUSH STROKES ARE OUR ACTIONS.

Sometimes our brush strokes are perfect like those of the great masters, using the right material with precise movements.
They are our good deeds, the type of action that makes us go to sleep with a smile and in peace.

Sometimes we make a mess on our canvas and we think:
“Oh! No! I mess up everything! It’s over!”
We want to throw it out and leave. We go to sleep frustrated and wanting to die.

THAT IS WHEN WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT … LIFE IS LIKE A PAINTING SCHOOL.

Don’t despair! Even though your canvas may be messed up, you can always get a clean brush, new colors and paint on top of it. Just like many maters have done in the past.

If you hurt someone, apologize!

If you did something that you shouldn’t have, go back and fix it!

If you lost an opportunity to compliment someone, call or email the person and give the compliment.

These are some great ways to improve your “stroke” in life!

THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IS TO GIVE UP and leave your canvas all messed up.

It doesn’t matter how long the smudge has been there. It’s always worth fixing it.

 

If you get overwhelmed with many “strokes” to fix, then …

Breathe, relax, and take one little stroke at the time.

A single new stroke can go a long way and change the overall picture.

 

If you feel insecure about your strokes, then ask a friend or mentor with experience to help you out.
Nobody said you have to do everything on your own.
Even the greatest masters had mentors and assistants to help.

 

By practicing and correcting our strokes, we become better artists.
IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES,
WHAT MATTERS IS THE LOVE IT TAKES.

So one day, when you are “called” to show your “painting” it will be great.
TALENT, WE ALL HAVE!