We never know where life will take us. Sometimes, we set out with a grand vision, only to find ourselves on an entirely different path — one that feels even more aligned than the one we originally planned. This is the story of how an art movement in Bali turned into something far more personal and profound, leading me to start writing these biweekly columns.
The Beginning of an Unexpected Journey
When I first met my co-artist friend, let’s call her M, our goal was clear: to create an art movement in Bali. Every week, we held meetings, often with another friend who helped us connect with the right people. It felt like we were on the edge of something big, but as often happens, life had other plans.
In the early stages of our friendship, M showed me two main emotions: struggle and warmth. She could be stern and unapproachable, not because of her outward behavior, but because she kept herself closed off. It was hard to glimpse into her heart. Yet, something about her complexity intrigued me. I recognized a struggle that felt familiar, and through that, our friendship blossomed.
The Shift
Although we never fully realized the art project that initially brought us together, we did achieve a memorable milestone: an art show. It was held on a stunning tropical day at a beautiful villa near the beach, featuring several talented artists. Way more people showed up than we expected. It was a full house. But while that day marked the end of our initial goal, it also marked the beginning of something far more rewarding, a bumpy, soul-boosting, spiritual journey under an artistic umbrella.
We kept meeting for coffee, and over time, M’s curiosity about the unseen and mystical aspects of life began to grow. I spoke about my outlook on life, and through our conversations, she started asking more questions. Watching her evolve inspired me. She often joked that I was like a walking, talking summary of all those self-help books people read to find their way back to themselves.
Perfective of giving & receiving
An interesting aspect of M’s way of being at that time was her difficulty with receiving. She wanted to give back, to restore balance, but she struggled with how to do this. She believed every act of generosity needed to be reciprocated. But for me, the joy of giving, of seeing someone grow and light up, was already a balance in itself. Just seeing her evolve was enough. Our weekly coffee meetings became a sacred space for this flow, where we both left uplifted.
Final coffee and new beginnings
Then came our last conversation. After all the healing, laughter, and personal transformation, it was time for M to return to her home country. Though it was a natural conclusion, it left a bittersweet ache.
It was during that final coffee meeting that I realized the true gift M had given me. Her journey had inspired me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Without knowing it, she had become my muse. Her process mirrored my own, her struggles and insights reflecting my past self. The questions she asked and the revelations she uncovered were nearly identical to my own experiences. It was as if I were observing a younger version of myself, only this time from the other side.
M also truly saw me. Her recognition of my inner power, the energy I felt when aligned, made me realize that the inspiration and stories I carried weren’t meant to stay hidden, they were meant to be shared. And then there was the moment when her desire to give back became even clearer. She had a habit of taking notes after our conversations, capturing the essence of what we discussed. Those notes became invaluable, allowing me to reflect on my journey and see the depth of her transformation.
Who would have thought that our conversations, held over too many cups of coffee, would lead to something entirely different from what we originally set out to create? We never built the art movement, but we built something else, something just as meaningful. The exchange of ideas, the shared moments, the process of evolving together led me to start writing about it. Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways, and when we allow ourselves to flow with it, we find the magic hidden in everyday moments. These are stories I like to share, snapshots of connection, remembrance, growth, and new perspectives to the life we live, to become lighter and free in being ourselves.
A Question for You
Have you ever set out with a clear goal, only to find yourself on a completely different path, and looking back you understand why it had to happen that way? It is good to be aware of it, as it helps you trust life more.
