#stayingcommitted

for someone who loves to fan the sparks, spontaneously reaching out to them, and then letting go when the sparks die out — she surely did not even think twice when she knew she would want to delve into the arts for the rest of her life.

my inner child surely paused in front of me, asking me to take it step by step, even if I was wholeheartedly sure.

so when someone asks me where do you see yourself in five years i could measuredly tell you about the secret desire tucked in the corner of my heart, a sweet whisper in my ears when i feel closer to the path. but i’d compromise to, fine arts for the next three years.

now that I know it’s more of an independent practice, one to follow the ebbs and flows of freedom. to play with the narratives, to explore, to try again.

there’s something about waking up each morning, knowing that you’ve got a story to tell, through the art. got a piece to make, resolved or not, or at least leave the studio with something closest to a piece. there’s some kind of commitment, to show up every day, with varying levels of motivation, inspiration, and drive.

i could have great, spontaneous ideas, note it down. but when I tell myself let’s work on this i see a blank slate. anything could happen, this narrative could go anywhere.

and still, there's the verithanam (the drive) -- the depth to meet the dream in the middle. swimming past the impediments to get there, if it comes with love, we give love back.

in no way, would I want to overwork myself. but till the time I surrendered to the practice, not think of how good the art should be. not think of whether it will be liked. but till the time I show up, time and time again. who knows, I might even get back to dipping my fingers everywhere, making a mess.

and the best part is, the mess is also a work in progress, just like anything else that is on the way to being a masterpiece. a set of stories I would have to share with y’all.

it’s like traveling the world on a bike and a backpack: you stop at coffee shops or motels to rest up and go again.

we are here for the journey. the in-between. it’s where the magic happens.

☕️

wherever you are, whenever you are reading this — I am rooting for you!

stay well, stay safe, stay hydrated.