My poem for this painting:

She had always listened outward —
to the careful voices of others,
their borrowed fears,
their well-meant warnings dressed as wisdom.
They spoke loudly, confidently,
as if certainty belonged to those who had never walked her path.

Then, almost without drama, she turned inward.
Not in defiance, nor anger —
but in recognition.
A quiet knowing rose to meet her, a soft voice,
steady and unafraid, asking only that she trust it.

And in that moment, something loosened.
The world did not disappear, but it lost its hold on her.
She walked on — guided not by approval, nor validation,
but by the unshakeable peace
of finally trusting herself.

SYMBOLISM:

SCARF: Covers her ears, quieting the opinions and expectations of others, allowing her to hear her own inner voice more clearly.

NASTURTIUMS: Are resilient and thrive even in poor soil. Representing your capacity to grow, create and flourish regardless of circumstance. A reminder that your beauty and strength are not dependent on ideal conditions, but arise from within.

CHINESE LANTERN FLORALS: Represent inner illumination - everything you’re searching for is already within you.

Hidden Key:
Every painting contains a hidden antique key for you to find.
A symbol of awakening, buried dreams rising, and the woman you are becoming.