Paint by number kits are sold by the millions. The kits include all the items needed to finish a masterpiece painting.

So why, when different people buy the same exact paint-by-number kit, the finished paintings are different? You’re satisfied with how the painting is coming along. Then you start comparing with another person’s painting. Does theirs look better?

Why are their colors more vibrant? Their lines crisp? The picture coming together perfectly just as the box promised? You notice your canvas has smudges, missing sections. You start to question your technique – your effort – your ability.

Why do their blues look bluer? How do their mountains look majestic when yours looks like a lumpy pile of dirt?

How many times did you compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t measure up to them? Does it make you feel like quitting?

A tremor in your hand caused spilled paint. Although, it did make the tree branch look more natural. It became a feature rather than a glaring mistake. A broken brush forced a new unique stippling effect that added texture to the sky. No one can see the struggle behind the seemingly flawless strokes used or the personal interpretations and unique choices made.

Turning your focus back to the other painter. “I bet they didn’t do it themself. Maybe this was their 2nd, 3rd or even 4th try” you wonder. Most times, we see the finished product and not the resources and the hidden struggles that went into the creation. Maybe I should start over again. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. I should just quit for now and pick it up at another time.

Every kit comes with the identical set of guidelines. But each artist brings their own hand, experience, moments of distraction, mishaps and triumphs to the canvas. What looks like a perfect reproduction from afar is up close, a unique expression of the individual.

Here’s the secret. Life isn’t meant to be a flawless paint by number canvas. And it certainly is not a competition.

Life’s beauty often lies in imperfections, unexpected detours and improvisations. That paint spill can be a bold accent. It can be an unplanned sunset or an abstract burst of passion. You didn’t intend on it, but now you embrace it.

A broken brush forced you to find new tools. You discovered new techniques. This created different textures and styles you never would have explored otherwise. It can lead you to seek help, collaborate or discover hidden strengths you didn’t know you had.

Don’t compare your canvas. Remember, no one’s journey, struggles or triumphs are the same. My smudges and spills tell my story. The most compelling stories and inspiring art rarely come from a perfectly executed plan. They never happen from trying to copy someone else’s work.

A meaningful life is possible from resilience, adaptability, and the courage to keep trying.

When the spills are too many. The brushes are too broken. The comparison is too crushing. It’s easy to just give up. Temptation to throw the half finished painting down in the basement along with five to ten other unfinished projects.

Are you willing to silence the story your canvas was trying to tell? Is it OK to let that unique masterpiece with all it’s beautiful imperfections sit unfinished in the dark basement?

We all get discouraged. We don’t see the beauty or potential right away. Ask yourself. How many relationships did I give up on because of imperfections and/or mishaps? How many dreams did I not pursue because of spilled paint or broken brushes?

As long as you’re alive – more can be added to your painting. You can always add a flower where there was a smudge. You can paint over a tree that no longer serves your view. Add a house where there was only an empty space. You can mend a relationship instead of hiding down the basement. Make your painting more vibrant, more fun, more meaningful and truly your own as long as you keep painting.

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Is your canvas hidden down the basement? Please share your thoughts on what you can add or change on your canvas in the comments below.