Setback-Survival Secret: A Winning Walk
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Maya who lived in a small town. Maya was a dreamer. She wanted to do art, beautiful art that meant something and would be felt. Day after day, out of school, in a hurry home for her sketchbook and away into colors and forms.
Maya loves dancing and her parents were very supportive, but they always reminded her that is important to study as well. Her father would say “Art is nice, but you need a proper job.” They were worried Maya would never be a successful artist, but Maya had always thought that she would make it one day.
And so, one sunny afternoon, Maya makes the decision to join an art contest at her school. The winner would have their artwork displayed in the town hall and earn a scholarship for art classes. Maya was both thrilled and terrified. So, she spent weeks working on her piece — her heart and soul. She did an enormous mural of a colorful sunset on the sea – as a way to express dynamic and peaceful nature.
The day of the competition had finally arrived, and Maya could hardly wait to get to school. The brightly colored signs draped from the gymnasium, with art adorning the walls from all grade levels. Maya set up her mural, then took a step back from it.
She felt proud. Maya felt her heart racing as the judges were walking around. She looked at the artwork of the other students--bold and bright here, soft and delicate there. But Maya had faith in her painting It was an investment of blood, sweat and tears.
The moment the winners were going to be announced, Maya was as if she could not breathe. All was quiet in the gym as the principal took to the stage.
This year's art competition winner is... Alex! Someone in the class stood up, bright with excitement -- a boy. Maya’s heart sank. Disappointment hit her like a wave brimming with magic. She had pulled all the stops, and it still wasn't good enough. She did her best to smile at Alex, but tears filled her eyes. You can't understand how he lost. Maya walked home feeling like a failure. Maybe she was just not meant to be an artist. You know if I pack it in then this talk is not going to happen. She closed her sketchbook and promised herself that night she would never paint again.
A heartache broke in Maya, and days passed on to weeks. She didn't want to get back into painting, but she was petrified of failing again. Children's book illustration: Paolo Rivera One night, her best friend Leila dropped by. Leila noticed Maya looking sad and asked what happened. “Well for starters,” Maya said, almost in a whisper. “I lost the art competition.” I just don't think I can bring myself to do that anymore.’
Leila shook her head. Maya, failure is a part of life for everybody. It’s part of the journey. Or when you recall the time, I auditioned for soccer and failed? I was petrified, but then I practiced more, and tried again. Maya thought about it. From that first definition I remember her becoming a great player, she thought of Leila. “Except what if I never recover? Maya asked, feeling hopeless.
“Then you learn. You grow. Leila told her that "every failure is a learning experience". “Why don’t you paint again? Just for fun.” Maya hesitated but agreed. The following day, she took her sketchbook and started painting. This time she was not preoccupied with winning or losing. She painted without formality, relishing the palette and brush strokes. Gradually, the happiness of painting returned.
Maya painted as the weeks rolled by. She tried different styles and techniques, and she started to love the process rather than worrying about results. A little time in and she found she was more connected to her art, and gradually confidence began to return. During one class, her art teacher Mrs. Thompson spotted her work.
"Wow, Maya, you've made so much progress! Given this, have you considered competing in another event? she asked. Maya's heart went pitter-patter at the idea. I'll admit, she had a good mixture of excitement and fear as she said don't know.
Mrs. Thompson advised, “It is not only about winning.” It is about being yourself, pursuing your purpose. You can find challenges in the path of every artist. But how you respond, well that is the part that matters. Maya had listened to her teacher. She chose to enter the annual art fair the town held every year. She uses experiences as inspiration to create which is part of the concept of this time work. I found a mural, Rise After Fall, of a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Maya was anxious but thrilled on the day of the fair. While setting up her mural, she saw people go to her competition, such as Alex. They smiled at each other, and Maya knew she no longer felt hatred towards him. Rather, she felt a kinship with all of the artists. Maya was proud to showcase her mural when the judges strolled by. This whole journey where she has failed and struggled to arrive at this moment. The judges hung on her every word, and Maya came to feel she was reading the judges like a book as she recounted this part of her story
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