Share your Life and Painting Story and How do you overcome challenges:
I am a 25 year old Keralite, currently doing my post-graduation in counseling . I became wheelchair-bound due to a spinal cord injury in 2014. With time I have come to cherish this second chance in life as a gift from God. What has greatly helped me in this journey, is being surrounded by very loving people who give me reasons to not give up in life. 
As a child itself, the passion for art grew in me.  My elder sister used to draw and I would try to imitate her in ways I can. The turning point of my life with respect to art was also due to the injury and being physically challenged by it.  Painting helped me cope,  starting from the period of hospitalization after the injury. Gradually I started expressing myself through my paintings.  I realized that I can convey my most complex emotions and thoughts through art,  that too with lesser judgments (as opposed to speaking it out directly).  This gave me a sense of freedom and power. 
Each of the paintings I have uploaded has a subjective meaning for me and I find joy in helping others see its meaning. And now when I look back at my artwork over the years,  I can confidently say that Art is one thing that has positively grown in me amidst the storms of my life. 

Overcoming the challenges in life
Love is that what has brought me so far.  Throughout my life,  I am understanding that God is truly loving.  As I mentioned before, I have been surrounded by very loving people.  My family is the greatest gift that I received in life.  They continue to stand by my side. Social support is very much needed for people like me. 
I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2019. Pursuing this field of study is transforming me as a person.  I am learning more about myself,  about dealing with my own emotions. All this has helped me strengthen my mind.  What I have understood is that,  even when your body might get weak,  if your mind is strong,  it can lift up your body too.  That’s the kind of power our minds have. 
Last but never least,  art has opened up a new world without limitations or boundaries for me.