Embracing the Journey: The Inspiration Behind “The Star Within the Stride”

There’s something profoundly exhilarating about reaching a mountaintop—the breathtaking views, the sense of accomplishment, and the unique blend of exhaustion and exhilaration. However, the true essence of the experience lies in the climb itself. It’s during the ascent that memories are forged, resilience is tested, and personal growth occurs.

The Art of Finding Balance

Achieving goals and realizing dreams require a delicate balance:

• Being Present: Staying engaged in the moment to maintain momentum.
• Looking Ahead: Keeping an eye on the destination to ensure you’re on the right path.
• Reflecting Back: Remembering the reasons behind your journey to stay motivated.

Disrupting this balance can lead to a loss of strength, vision, and purpose. The process is a significant part of any journey, yet it can be hard, painful, uncomfortable, frustrating, and complicated. Sometimes we overlook the process, undervaluing its role. And sometimes we just forget about it altogether because we are focusing so much on the end result.

Celebrating Process with “The Star Within the Stride”

This week, I want to share the inspiration behind my print titled “The Star Within the Stride.” This piece captures a figure suspended mid-leap, surrounded by a radiant explosion of reds, blues, yellows, and purples that form a sweeping arc around them. It’s as though the very air has come alive in joyful response to each powerful step forward. This piece invites you to feel the courage that comes with pressing on, knowing that every stride is propelled by God’s love and purpose.

Photographed in the sunshine of Redding, California, this artwork reminds you that your light, fueled by the Creator, can shine brightly through every step and every leap of faith. Hang this in your space to remind yourself daily that resilience, hope, and joy are within reach, and with God’s strength, nothing can stand in your way.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Behind the Scenes

In the video below, I’ll take you into my Photoshop layers to see how all the pieces came together, and I’ll share some of the thought nuggets I planted inside. This print celebrates the brilliance of process, which goes all the way back to the first bullet I mentioned above!

I pose a question to help the image absorb even more. So, when you finish the video, I’d love to hear your answer in the comments below!

Lots of love,

Maari

P.S. Want this picture at home with you, reminding you to celebrate where you are at!? This wall art print is available to purchase in many sizes, framed and unframed.

Here are all seven images in The Star Within series:

If you would like to purchase one of these images that are not currently available in Shop, simply send me a note and we'll get one ordered up!

Thanks for following, and I hope you enjoy this art!

All my love,

Maari