Original oil painting 'Girl on Swing under Tree'

I was 35 I had a choice to make.
I could wither from shame or push myself forward.
But how would I pump myself up when I was at the lowest of lows?
Then the laughter of a little girl’s giggle turned my head. Her laugh radiated a joy I wanted to feel.
Right then I realized I needed to forgive myself and let go of shame, or regret would drain my energy.
I had to believe in myself if I wanted to swing again in my life.
And I wanted to swing.
I had just discovered art and there were subtle signals that painting might take me on the ride of my life.
If I had faith.
Faith that I was worthy of going back to college. That I was good enough to learn. To become the best version of myself by pumping hard and swinging high.
If you’ve had a setback or at a crossroad perhaps it’d be helpful to picture yourself on a swing, learning to put the past behind you. To embrace the moment. To embrace your true self and live life to the fullest.
I dedicate this painting to you,  ‘Swing high.’