I have always believed that we are artists of our lives - by M.A.M

Chosen Topic:

Bridge to my Future (Painting a Brighter Future)

2nd Prize - AA03

By M.A.M., a Degree student-inmate from Institution TM1

I have always believed that we are artists of our lives. Although we may never know how our lives will turn out to be, we can choose as artists how we want our final picture to be. The different experiences, people we meet and adversities we face in our lives as it unfolds constantly changing the final picture. There will always be doubt and uncertainties in our lives but the only constant is change and do our best as artist to paint the best picture. We can choose the lines we draw and the colours we paint between the lines. The colours may mix depending on the mood of the painter and the beliefs and attitudes we hold. To choose a life that I can be proud of for the rest of my life, surrounded by the people I love. Always learning from my mistakes and realize that I am not in the centre of the universe.

My aspirations begin here in this quiet solitude - representing new beginnings. Like any canvas, it begins plain and white. Pure and clean. My aspiration is one and my head is always buzzing thinking about it. My aspiration is to share my love for software and technology with the people I meet. I had all the formal education I needed and was already working for a huge company earning a decent salary. It is just that I never learned to control the Red and I let it overcome me leading to negative behaviours. I feel that this is just a setback and now learning from my mistakes, I begin to draw the Black. The outlines that will shape my future. Now learning to keep the Red in control using active effort and turning them into positive actions. For example, when bad news strikes and I feel sad of despair, I choose to face it and overcome it with strength and positive thinking. The Red now represents a bridge on my canvas.

As I cross this bridge, Yellow street lights illuminate the way for me towards the other end. To always remind me that life is always full of opportunities. My only focus now is on my aspirations and about cutting out any bad habits that prevents me from reaching my goal. Becoming a real man and boss at work is not easy. Being in the Prison School, I am able to focus on my responsibilities as a son and brother by restoring the relationships with my family. I am able to pick up books and attend all the leadership courses to improve my communication and people skills. The Yellow light shining in my path to always choose a positive attitude to deal with the challenges in life with good rationalization. To keep me shake off defeat easily. The Yellow is now high to remind me to always maintain a positive image of myself.

Walking down the bridge and looking back, I realize the lights start to fade. The Orange is here and now telling me to keep pursuing my aspirations and continue on my journey. Showing me good memories of the past providing me comfort to carry on. Change is not easy – it requires a lot of effort in cutting out bad actions. I must have the right level of persistence and determination to make the right choices that offer no instant gratification. Choices that will only give me satisfaction after many years. For example, saving enough money and building relationships that will only mature in 20-30 years to allow me to retire peacefully and enjoy life with my loved ones.

There will be days when it is just too much. There will be days that I will need a break. As I stop to take a moment and look beneath the bridge, I will notice a calm sea. Blue as the ocean. This represents the way I will deal with setbacks. By solving problems methodically and learning to take things easy. I am more confident now because I know that we are only responsible for ourselves. We are only responsible for what we did, what we did not do and what we think. We are not responsible for how others may act and say. Looking up, I journey towards the end of my bridge. The green waiting for me. Representing my loved ones. My final resting place to seek comfort and lean on in times of need.

All my other small goals are linked to my aspiration. I want to travel the world. I want to take my story and inspire others. I want to share my passion for software and technology to everyone I meet. As this happens, the remaining parts of my canvas turns from the White to Purple. I realise like everyone else, I have my own strength and weaknesses. I will continue improving my strength and overcoming my weakness. The Purple light always reminding me to be content and happy with everything that I have.