The Art of Living
“The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.” — Kurt Vonnegut
When we think of art, we typically imagine paintings, movies, theater, music, and live performances. However, very seldom do we consider living itself as an art form. Most of us are often deprived of fully embracing this unique and beautiful art called life. We wake up, go to work, pay our bills, and then repeat the same cycle. In the intervals, we worry, we stress, and unintentionally create a world filled with anxieties and fears. It is important to remember the words of Jesus, who said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). This message is both profound and deeply true. Every single day presents an adventure into the unknown, and sometimes that unknown can overshadow and steal away the precious moments we have in the present.
As a Behavioral Therapist, I work closely with families who are seeking hope and understanding for their child who has been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, these families are often looking for answers about the future—questions I find are difficult to answer with certainty. Because of this, I focus on teaching them the importance of living in the moment and appreciating what is right in front of them. The truth is, I cannot predict exactly how well a child will respond to a specific therapy or treatment, as every child is unique. Although I rely on evidence-based procedures, the outcomes can vary, and I continuously learn to adapt because the process is different for each family and individual child.
Learning the art form of living is quite similar in many ways. We cannot predict the future, nor do we possess a crystal ball to foresee what lies ahead. As life goes on, we inevitably experience trauma, loss, pain, and the unfortunate heartbreak that comes our way. These difficult moments, as challenging and painful as they may be, gradually begin to shape and refine our senses, helping us understand what truly matters in life rather than fixating on that uncertain fork in the road called the unknown.
So, allow yourself the freedom to truly live, breathe deeply, love wholeheartedly, laugh freely, and explore with curiosity. Take a deliberate step back from the challenges and trials of life for just a brief moment, and rise to a bird’s-eye view of everything surrounding you—your environment, the people who matter in your life, and the things that ignite your passion, joy, and happiness. Give the “unknown” a temporary suspension pass; set it aside and refuse to let it hold you back. Pursue wholeheartedly that which brings you happiness, purpose, and fulfillment, always keeping Jesus at the very center of it all.
Best,
Tony
