How simple is the path to a good life, we are told. But we humans are complicated and nuanced and influenced by many unseen hands. And ghosts.
Life is no straight line. We are sold a bill of goods — go to college, find a calling. Marry. Work. Have children. Contribute to the greater good.
But there are many variables in the light we follow. At times it’s a spotlight, a blinding, rising sun. Then it dims as if behind clouds. Subtly it can brighten, confusing us as it casts new shadows never seen before. Other times the sky is dark, with no light at all. No stars, even.
Then we turn on our headlights and hope for the best in thick fog.
Somewhere in our hearts is our own north star, which we have to discover on our own. For guidance. In many religious faiths we are taught — browbeaten, even — that we have evil natures. Mustn’t trust our own feet (better to be on our knees, bowing to control-hungry faith leaders).
It can take a lifetime to trust oneself. To find one’s honest self. Worth it, though. To feel confident and comfortable in one’s skin. To give up proving one’s value. To stand tall, back straight, walking into the wind.
[Wrote this the other night when I was in bed reading, got up to find a scrap of paper and a pen. Must keep a notebook on the night stand. Thought it matched this painting with shapes and paths. Bunny Cadbury sat at my feet as I worked at my art table.]
7″ x 7″ watercolor, ink, crayon, pencil on paper. = $75
