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ericafraaije

Nature as Our Guide: How Do We Adapt to Life's Unexpected Turns- about Art, Healing, Transformation, Creativity, Nature and Balance.

collage made by Erica Fraaije 2024 about change and balancing referring to historic changes begin twentieth century.
balance and change

People are capable of much more than they often think. In my own life, I've faced many challenges—moments that I never imagined would happen to me. From having children to deciding not to return to work, these were changes I hadn't planned. Adjusting to this new role was a significant challenge, but, like a plant turning its leaves toward the light, I learned to adapt even when moved to a different window.


Finding Strength in Change

When my mother grew older, we made time to care for her. When she passed away, we made time for mourning. Now, many years later, I even feel gratitude. I think about her daily and can picture her vividly as if she were here yesterday. Our ability to cherish memories shows how powerful the experience of loss can be.

But it's not just humans—elephants also touch the bones of their lost family members, illustrating a deep sense of memory and connection. This reminds us how linked we are to our physical experiences and how art, too, can provide a way to hold on, let go, and heal.


Art as a Mirror of Life's Change

Creating art requires openness to change without fear. The changes I make in my work often mirror the changes we face. I learn to stay flexible in other areas by allowing my art to evolve. This process brings a sense of comfort and helps me find balance.


What I Learn From My Children

My children, meanwhile, are growing and evolving even faster. They understand the value of real human connection and often put their phones away to focus on the present moment. This appreciation for genuine connection is an old value with new importance. They remind me that our evolution is ongoing, making me hopeful.


Finding Balance

Our ability to endure tough times, embrace new opportunities, and cherish the little moments of beauty in our surroundings is where our resilience lies. Valuable lessons can be gleaned from nature, our interactions with others, and most supprisingly, from our children. This realization brings me immense joy, not because I am relieved of responsibility, but because it shows that we are ever evolving just as countless others have done in the past.


What unexpected turns have you had to adapt to? Share your experiences with me—let's reflect on how life changes and how we grow through it.


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Johannes Fraaije
Johannes Fraaije
Oct 09
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Permanent change indeed seems like a state of being, in this household!

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