Life is seldom a smooth journey.
Painting: Came to get to, oil on canvas
Life is a journey filled with choices, and the decisions we make along the way often shape our destiny. For women, the power of making decisions cannot be overstated. In a world where obstacles and challenges are a part of everyday life, the ability to sit down, think through, and take action is not just essential but empowering.
A month into my move from India to the USA, I was asked to paint a collection of paintings for a gallery. All I could then think was how essential is to make a decision in your mind, to accept new circumstances, and live in a way that is gentle yet firm to give you passion for seeking more. I explored the significance of women making decisions and the importance of moving forward, regardless of the hurdles that may come their way.
Decision-making is an art, and like any skill, it requires practice and refinement. It's about more than just choosing between two options; it's a process that involves careful consideration of various factors, weighing pros and cons, and often requires foresight into the consequences of our choices.
This process can be incredibly impactful when you explore and surrender to self-awareness, setting goals, and prioritizing.
The journey begins with self-awareness. Knowing who you are, what you want, and what you value is crucial. Self-reflection helps us make decisions that align with our beliefs and aspirations. Setting Clear goals provides direction. Setting specific, achievable goals makes you more likely to make decisions that lead you toward your desired life.
Not all decisions are of equal importance. Prioritizing decisions helps us focus our energy on what truly matters, making it easier to navigate obstacles.
This whole process counts for me as well as an artist. Painting is a way of healing. Healing through art is a profound and transformative journey. Art provides a sanctuary where individuals can express their emotions, confront their traumas, and find solace in creativity. Through painting, drawing, music, dance, or any other form of artistic expression, people can externalize their inner struggles, allowing them to process and make sense of their experiences. It offers a unique channel for self-discovery and catharsis, nurturing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Art is a powerful means of communication when words fail, giving empowerment.
Obstacles - for sure - are unavoidable. They are so freaking needed for the growth.
Life is seldom a smooth journey. Obstacles, whether they be societal expectations, personal doubts, or external challenges, are part and parcel of life. When I came to explore obstacles in my art collection “ Making Decision,” I was trying to answer this question. “What sets women apart for easier overcoming the obstacles?” The answer was not obvious, but it came through the painting process—the ability to persevere in adversity.
Some of the things that appeared through my art journey in this collection were:
Self-doubt: Women may sometimes doubt their abilities or question if they're making the right decisions. It's important to remember that self-doubt is a normal part of the process, and acknowledging it can lead to growth.
Societal expectations: Society often imposes expectations on women, which can limit their choices. Breaking free from these expectations and making decisions that align with their own aspirations is a powerful act of self-determination.
Fear of failure: Fear of failure can paralyze decision-making. Women should view failure as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Each decision, whether successful or not, is a stepping stone on the path to success.
Navigating setbacks: Life is filled with setbacks, but women have an incredible capacity to adapt and persevere. Each obstacle is a chance to learn and grow stronger.
So, Making decisions and moving forward in life go hand in hand. While making decisions is vital, it's equally crucial to take action. We have a remarkable ability to turn decisions into actions and overcome any challenges we encounter along the way.
We have the power to shape our destinies through the decisions we make and their determination to overcome obstacles. The decision-making process, when coupled with resilience and forward momentum, is a force to be reckoned with. It's a testament to the incredible strength and potential of humanity.