The Art Of Getting By

Nothing lasts forever. These words have been etched in my memory ever since I first read them. No matter how hard we try to hold onto life, it’s going to escape us one day. Everything we do is just a means to pass time as we try to delay the inevitable truth.

I was a very good student in school. All my assignments always complete, passing all my tests with enviable marks because really, what else was there to do. High school was coming to an end and my mom wanted me to go to college and find a decent job. The only problem was that I hadn’t decided my major, yet. I had never done anything other than academics. So, my career counselor asked me to join some club in school. I decided to join the painting club.

I had always been an introvert. I preferred the company of books over people. So I was really anxious about my first day for the club. I even considered dropping out of it, but eventually gave in because I needed the credits. I reached the club room 20 minutes before everyone. I went through the paintings of other students and examined each one of them just to pass time. Slowly the room started filling in. Half an hour in, I slowly began to relax. In the next few years, I came to know my club mates and found something I never realized I was missing. They were this crazy and amazing group of people who were filled with so much energy that you couldn’t help but find yourself engulfed in their enthusiasm for life. My time in the club helped me discover myself, my potential, my talents and my fears. The books that I depended on with everything in me were actually an escape from the reality of my life. I was terribly bored with my life and books seemed to be an easy way out. I constantly tried to be satisfied with what I had but all it did was to frustrate me more with every passing second. Painting came in my life when I needed it the most and changed everything I thought I knew.

My new-found friends taught me something no one had bothered to teach me my entire life. They taught me the art of getting by. It’s true that nothing lasts forever. But forever is a very long time anyway. Believe me, nobody wants to live that long. Our life is defined by the moments which make us feel the rush, the moments which are unpredictable.

I decided my major, eventually. I took arts and proceeded to become a painter. I enjoy doing it and earn more than enough to cover all my needs and wants.

I had this urge to paint a sunset since I was a child. So here I am today, watching the sun set with all its glory. Painting the sky red.