As a student in an Art History class, I have learned the importance of appreciating art. There really is a beauty in each piece; a story to tell and that story may vary depending on whose eyes are peering at it. I also have, through experiences, have discovered an appreciation for creating art. I always loved to doodle as a kid and partake in art projects, but it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I truly started to intentionally create art. Art, typically painting in my case, has become an enjoyed activity and a stress-reliever. Whenever school gets hectic and life follows down that path as well, painting directs me to take a detour for a while and relax. I struggled a lot last year allowing myself to have time for painting. I thought if I was stressed that I should sit down and try to hash out all of the work, and then I wouldn’t be so frazzled. I soon learned otherwise.

“Too Blessed to Be Stressed.”

I heard this saying not too long ago, and it has shaped into one of my favorite life mottos. The Lord has given us so many blessings. Some may include the people in your life, the experiences ahead of you and the gifts or talents you possess. For me, one of the many blessings God has given me is the gift of painting or more generalized: art. I am never to be stressed again… what a liberation! The Lord’s blessings are endless and, therefore; our stress should never have to be existent.

This year, when I start to feel stressed, I move my mind, even for a little bit, towards my blessings. This past week was frenzied, so last night two of my wonderful friends and I turned on the tunes and unpacked paintbrushes. The saying, “too blessed to be stressed” is completely accurate and last night that became clear to me. Circled around friends and employing God’s gifts into my life, brought me such joy and relief in my life. While painting, I wasn’t worried about my next deadline for school or what I need to do the next day. I was enjoying the moment, which is what life is all about anyway.

Enjoy each day and don’t waste any moment you have with worries or doubts. Instead, celebrate each day and put the time focused on stress in your life on the blessings in your life. Painting might not be the formula for stress relief for everyone. However, we all have many blessings. All you have to do is find the one that opens your heart into serenity. The next time you are stressed thank the Lord for that outlet, go and enjoy it.