I don’t often dabble in poetry, watercolors, or digital art. As I get older, though, there's this growing itch to dive into those creative pursuits I once dreamed of.
Ever feel that way? On a daily basis, you might find yourself lost in a sea of “important” or “leisurely” tasks, only to end up scrambling in the last few hours to piece your life back together?
I’ve taken to indulging in the things I love—whether it’s late-night attempts at art, binge-watching DIY videos, or getting lost in Pinterest boards.
Jewelry making, quick crafts, and all those delightful projects that promise a sprinkle of joy—they’re always there, just out of reach. I tell myself I’ll start them next weekend or maybe when retirement finally rolls around.
But for now, I’m content with the small moments of creative escape. Even if it’s just a fleeting glance at a craft idea before sleep pulls me under, it’s a tiny rebellion against the everyday grind.
It’s like the artistic equivalent of a midnight snack—an indulgence that doesn’t quite fix the hunger but leaves you feeling a bit better about yourself.
At least I can pretend I’m one step closer to becoming a renaissance artist, even if my most ambitious creation is a glittery bookmark that probably won’t survive a week in my cluttered desk drawer! 😝
I’m not here to bore you with a drawing tutorial or a play-by-play of my artistic process. This piece isn’t groundbreaking. I can almost hear the Renaissance Men rolling in their graves to the tune of "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette. They might even feel a twinge of pity yet hopeful for a child with artistic promise if they thought this was the work of a young prodigy. LOL
But let’s put that aside.
This post isn’t really about the drawing. In fact, I’m not going to delve into art at all. Let's just say that I have dropped out of fine arts years ago because I followed where the money is. But now art is grabbing me by the feet, reminding me to have some sort of fulfilling pursuit before death takes me.
I don’t have much time left.
And this kind of tone isn't new. If you've read my articles from years ago, I still have this somber thoughts of not having enough time.
Looking back, since becoming a parent at 23, it’s felt like I’ve been chasing everything but life itself. I’ve pursued money for bills, networked tirelessly for connections, and delivered project after project to keep my portfolio strong and marketable.
I get paid a good 6 figs a month on good days, and stability or freedom is still a question.
In the whirlwind of these pursuits, I’ve barely found myself.
The moments of true joy—an unfinished drawing, a cherished book, a personal project, fleeting time with family—those are the rare gems. I spent so much time on Non-Essential than the Essential, promising myself that someday, when the dust settles, I’d have more time and freedom for what really matters.
But now, the realization hits that the “someday” I’ve been waiting for might just be slipping through my fingers.
And so I present to you, my art.
The value of it isn’t measured by technique or medium... but by the genuine, joyful moments I squeezed out of my little life.
It’s a humble creation, born not from mastery but from the simple pleasure of making something just for the sake of it.
In the grand scheme of things, it might seem insignificant... a fleeting distraction in the vast landscape of my responsibilities. But to me, it’s a small beacon of the joy I’ve managed to carve out amidst the chaos. It's one of the few things I put my soul in to.
And here's a part of my soul. Hope this made your day. Much love.