Life is Like A Painting: Crafting Your Unique Canvas

Let me say it again for those in the back—life is like a painting.

We all start with a blank canvas, and little by little, we add to it. But what are you adding to your life’s canvas? Are you sticking to one color, staying safe, and never venturing beyond the familiar? Think about the relationships in your life—are they all the same? Does everyone in your circle think, act, and look alike?

Are you stepping outside your comfort zone, experimenting with new tones that might shake things up? But remember, mixing too many colors at once can lead to muddy tones. Are you piling so much onto your canvas of life that you’re not enjoying anything? Have you left any white space to let the important aspects of your life stand out? Consider the people around you—do they dull your colors or brighten them?

I’m often teased because I don’t play around when it comes to this. Some people are just too life-sucking for me to interact with. It’s not about being mean—it’s about respecting myself and my happiness. Life is short, and I’m here to be as happy as I can be. And yes, I avoid uncomfortable situations, clothes, and shoes because, why not?

Is your life’s canvas vibrant and balanced, with enough white space to enjoy the full picture? Does your life’s painting allow room for imagination, or is it overcrowded? Through my experiences in business, therapy, and simply observing people, I’ve learned that we often overload our lives to the point of misery, instead of living authentically as we are.

When you’re unhappy, overwhelmed, or miserable, ask yourself why. Can you change something? Is there someone you need to edge out of your life? Sometimes, you might need to gesso over a section and start fresh.

One thing I learned in therapy is that my unhappiness often stems from my high expectations—both for myself and others. When reality doesn’t meet those expectations, I get disappointed. Understanding this about myself was a huge "aha" moment. I still struggle with it daily, but knowing helps me reset my expectations and move on when something truly makes me unhappy.

I also notice how drained people become when they’re too busy doing all the things without enjoying any of them. Take time each day to quiet the noise. Whether it’s waking up earlier or staying up later, find time to be with yourself. I paint and read mindless romance novels to find that quiet. Are you or your kids involved in too many activities? Are they filling your cup, or draining you?

Do I have it all figured out? Nope. I’m an Enneagram Seven—I love new, shiny things. I crave new experiences, and I’ve learned that traveling helps me cope when life gets stagnant. Exploring new places lights me up and fills my cup, and I’ve realized it’s a healthier way to deal with boredom.

So, take stock of your life’s canvas. What do you need to add? What do you need to take away? Are the people around you helping or hindering your progress? Get in there, get messy, and live life to the fullest on your terms.

About Cara Heard:

Cara Heard is a mixed media artist specializing in bold, original art and art workshops. With over a decade of experience in running an art studio and creative startups, Cara brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. Whether you’re looking for custom art for your home, office, or vacation property, Cara’s work tells a story and leaves a lasting impression.