Rashmi Bajoria reflects on her journey of self-discovery through art, highlighting the importance of personal fulfillment amidst family responsibilities.
As the year draws to a close, many find themselves reflecting on their lives and aspirations. For Rashmi Bajoria, this period of introspection is particularly significant as it coincides with her birthday, her husband’s birthday, their wedding anniversary, and the holiday season. Despite having a fulfilling professional career as a dentist, a supportive husband, and two spirited daughters, Bajoria often feels that her role as a mother and wife overshadows her own personal growth.
This year, Bajoria set a goal to learn something new. With no prior experience in drawing or formal art training, she took a leap of faith and enrolled in a portrait drawing class offered by her local recreation center. The timing of the classes aligned perfectly with her schedule, providing her with the opportunity she had been seeking.
However, her enthusiasm was met with an unexpected challenge. On the first day of class, her daughter fell ill and had to stay home from school, forcing Bajoria to miss her initial session. Devastated, she felt the weight of her responsibilities as a mother once again taking precedence over her personal ambitions. Nevertheless, she persevered and attended the class the following week, where she quickly discovered her passion for sketching.
Immersed in the world of art, Bajoria found herself captivated by the process of drawing. The hours spent with pencil in hand seemed to fly by as she became engrossed in the delicate strokes and the way graphite transformed into images on paper. Encouraged by her daughters, she began practicing at home, gradually refining her skills.
What started as simple sketches evolved into more complex portraits. For her final project, Bajoria chose to draw her daughters, capturing the sparkle in their eyes and the warmth of their smiles. The experience of focusing intently on their features deepened her appreciation for them, and the compliments she received from her daughters only fueled her excitement.
Bajoria’s journey into art has not only been a personal triumph but also a bonding experience with her children. She discovered that her own successes in pursuing her interests inspired her daughters, who were proud of her newfound skill. This realization reinforced the importance of self-care and personal fulfillment, reminding her that nurturing her own passions ultimately benefits her family as well.
With this newfound perspective, Bajoria encourages others to take the plunge into new experiences. She believes that signing up for a class or pursuing a hobby can lead to personal growth and strengthen family ties. “Your kids will be so proud, and you will have a new skill,” she asserts, emphasizing the joy that comes from both learning and sharing that journey with loved ones.
Rashmi Bajoria is a dentist based in the Bay Area, residing in San Ramon with her husband and two daughters. In addition to her professional life, she enjoys traveling and exploring new interests.
This story was originally published on Perspectives, KQED, and republished through the India Currents-KQED collaborative. If you would like to share your perspective, click the link below: Perspectives Submission Guidelines.
Source: Original article