What Life has Taught Me

Life has taught me this:

When you are born, you are given a blank canvas and a pallet with assorted paints on it. It is up to you to paint a picture. This will be your legacy.

You will look around and notice that some people have lots of paints on their pallets to choose from. And still others have larger or smaller canvases. Do not be discouraged that you have fewer colors, and do not mock those who have fewer colors then you. These paints that you have been given, have been specially chosen for you. As to the canvases, some painters shall be able to paint more, others less. Paint as long as you have room on your canvas. Make it your own.

This is your task: paint your picture in one go. You do not have a second chance, and mistakes will happen along the way. Do not fret about these blemishes on your canvas. If you work them into your painting, it will ultimately become more beautiful for it. If you dwell on the mistakes, you will make more...

It is also important that your painting be partially inspired by other pictures. (It is impossible to paint with out first seeing what a good painting is.) But remember to make the painting your own. Perfect duplicates of a painting make for a dull gallery.

Be forewarned, some who have gone before you have failed in there endeavors. They wasted the paint they have been given by smearing it in grotesque and terrible images. Some painters will even dare to destroy the canvases of others before ultimately destroying their own. Be wary of these people. Their influence is detrimental to the painting of your canvas.

Again, do not despair with the colors you have been given, or have not been given. Use what you have, and make your painting yours.

Never become discouraged. And remember this: once you decide to step away from your canvas, declaring it finished, it will become finished. Be wary of the temptation to give up on your painting when it is hard. A half painted canvas is only a half painted canvas. A good painting will be painted to the full extent the canvas has to offer.

Now go! use your paint, use your canvas. Live your life.