What were they thinking?
Two young boys play on the beach, each deeply connected with the natural world around them.
The boy with a vibrant red canoe leaves the shore. Sadness and disappointment tinge his expression, the decision to depart feels heavy. The bold red colour intensifies these emotions, symbolising both the passion he leaves behind and the urgency of his departure. The sea grows louder and rougher, mirroring the turbulence within him as he pushes away. The cutting sunshine beats down on his bare skin, doing very little to soothe the weight of his feelings.
The boy guiding the green board stands at the water’s edge, where the rough waves begin to lap at his feet. Despite the rising intensity, hope and determination fill his face. He sees the water’s strength as an opportunity, a space for growth and renewal. The green colour evokes a sense of calm and balance, symbolising his commitment to the journey ahead. The warmth of the sun blankets him with comfort. His self-confidence drives him to push forward into the vast, untamed ocean.
Beacon of hope!
Light and darkness play a crucial role in evoking emotions by setting the tone, mood, and atmosphere of a visual composition. This contrast, often referred to as chiaroscuro in art, creates a dynamic interplay that deeply influences how an image is perceived on an emotional level.
Darkness cloaks the beach. A cold mist strokes your cheeks, while the moon’s soft glow barely cuts through the haze. A faint light casts over the shadowy beach. The foggy view shrouds the horizon, as you stroll and gaze into the unknown with a sense of mystery. You hear the gentle, soft waves rolling in, a reminder of the gaping ocean.
In the distance, your eye catches a dimly lit window flickering faintly, heightening the deep sense of isolation. Quietness, punctuated only by the rhythmic sound of the waves, cradles your mind into deep introspection and you become immersed in the eerie atmosphere along shore tonight.
The race to be seen
The “Fear of Missing Out” often develops into excessive self-promotion. We become anxious about being overlooked or unseen, which drives us to constantly showcase our accomplishments, experiences, and abilities. In a world where everyone seems to be achieving more, we strive to stand out and stay relevant.
This deep-seated fear that others are leading more successful lives fuels our behaviour. The pressure to appear successful compels us to highlight every milestone and flaunt whatever knowledge we think we possess. There’s an unspoken expectation to share and connect, just to remain visible.
In this constant race to keep up with our peers, we weaken genuine relationships and diminish personal enjoyment. Those who are wise take a step back, reflect on their own milestones, and focus on self-fulfilment. They do not measure their worth against others but find strength in appreciating their individuality.
The world is full of seductions, but true fulfilment comes from within.