Becoming a mother at the age of 25 was a beautiful yet overwhelming experience. The post-partum period left me feeling directionless, burdened by an endless cycle of responsibilities and an erratic routine dictated by my newborn. While I had chosen motherhood, I hadn’t fully grasped the weight of obligations that came with it. I was caught between the immense joy of having my child and the confusion of where I stood in life.
The constant fear of missing out on my career haunted me, and I found myself mentally exhausted, pushing beyond what my body could endure. Sleep deprivation and physical strain became my daily companions, making this phase one of the most challenging times of my life. People often advised me to set my priorities straight, but that was easier said than done. Choosing to become a mother at a young age meant I couldn’t even allow myself to regret it, especially when I felt an overwhelming love for my child.
One day, while browsing the internet, I came across an advertisement for an art workshop. The thought of participating lingered in my mind for a while. Art had always been a part of my school days, but I had never pursued it seriously. After much contemplation, I decided to give it a try—if nothing else, it would offer me a brief escape from my daily routine and a chance to reconnect with myself.
The workshop was held in a cozy café in Bangalore, where we learned the basics of acrylic painting. I painted a simple yet adorable scene—a tree with two owls perched on its branches. The process was incredibly soothing, and for the first time in a long while, I felt refreshed and at peace. That day, I realized the true power of art.
“Art heals.” This is not just a phrase; it is a profound truth. The workshop ignited a newfound passion within me, giving me a sense of purpose and relief from my emotional struggles. Determined to nurture this passion, I made art a part of my daily routine. Whether it was replicating images from Google or learning techniques from YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram, I immersed myself in the world of creativity and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
As I delved deeper, I discovered a studio in Hyderabad that specialized in Madhubani paintings. Drawn to the intricate beauty of this folk art, I enrolled in a certificate course to explore it further. Under the guidance of a talented and supportive teacher, I learned the basics and gradually progressed to advanced techniques. Each piece took days to complete, but the process was deeply fulfilling. Sharing my artwork on social media brought immense appreciation and encouragement, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of creative expression.
Through this journey, I realized the importance of pursuing what we love, especially during difficult times. Hobbies offer us a sanctuary—a space to heal, grow, and rediscover ourselves. They become our silent companions, uplifting us when life feels overwhelming. My love for art not only helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood but also boosted my confidence in every aspect of life.
Even today, I continue to sketch whenever I find time. It brings out the best in me, filling my heart with joy and creativity. That’s why I say, “When you don’t know what to do, just do what you love.”
