The Illusion of Paradise: Navigating a World Gone Mad one day at a time, one drawing at a time

28 Days of Self Love in daily drawings week 4 - what a journey

Maiko in green by CS Thomas. Prints and applied art available from Fine Art America

What a world we live in! What a world! Scroll through Instagram or Facebook, and you're bombarded with endless streams of happy faces jet-setting across the globe, influencers peddling the latest 100% guaranteed weight-loss miracle powder, lip enhancers, or the ultimate recipe for lentils. There’s always a must-try exercise routine for those dragging themselves home after a 12- to 14-hour workday, or even tips on how to elevate a simple ice cube with a few delicate flowers from the garden—because, of course, that’s the knowledge we really need.

With all this—set against stunning backdrops, under golden sunlight, with smiles as wide as a shark’s—you’d think the world is paradise. But it isn’t, is it?

The reality? We are more divided than ever, perhaps more than at any point in human history. And no, I won’t settle for the tired argument that every generation has its challenges. Ours don’t just come in waves; they erupt from every direction, relentless and all-consuming. Even a Ninja wouldn’t stand a chance against this chaos.

It feels as if someone—or something—is deliberately trying to push us all to madness, just like in Greek mythology. And the worst part? It might just be working.

This is my introduction to today's blog post and the conclusion of another week on planet Earth.

My daily moments of creative self-expression continued, and alongside them, I took part in the delightful challenge that began 28 days ago initiated by

Laurie Maves ART

. It is always a joy having SPUTNIKI - travelling companions. Every day I look forward to seeing the uplifting work of

April Mensinger

and

Laurie Maves ART

!

A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful people who shared my posts—I truly appreciate it! 💛

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And now, a week in words and images

Years ago, I sold my very first painting! I still remember the sheer joy and exhilaration of that moment. By pure chance, it was purchased by a friend's mother—someone who didn’t even know me at the time. What a coincidence!

Yesterday, I experienced that same overwhelming feeling again. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw my very first paid subscriber! It brought tears to my eyes—yes, I’m sentimental! Knowing that someone out there values my writing enough to support it means the world to me. You know who you are—thank you! I am deeply grateful.

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If you grew up under a narcissistic mother’s control, you likely carry a deep, oppressive feeling—one of constant vigilance and a profound lack of safety.

Why?

Because a narcissistic mother craves absolute control over her children’s lives. She dictates even the smallest details—what they eat, when they eat, what they wear, where they go, how long they stay there, and more. As they grow, she extends this dominance to their careers, relationships, and daily choices, ensuring they remain dependent on her approval and validation. The scars left by this relentless control don’t fade; they become etched into the soul of the child, shaping their adult life in ways they may not even fully realise.

So with this scenario, self love is not even in the picture and the consequences can be devastating.

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Saying yes to our own needs is a powerful step toward self-love. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and truly explore what we need—something we rarely ask ourselves. For survivors of narcissistic relationships, this can feel unfamiliar, even challenging. But every small step counts. Let’s start where we are and embrace the journey of reconnecting with ourselves.

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If you've been following me for a while, you know how much I appreciate classical literature—and how grateful I am that, despite the hardships of growing up in a communist country (which were not that bad on many levels compared with life in the west really) , one undeniable benefit was the emphasis on reading the classics. That foundation shaped my love for literature, and for that, I will always be thankful.

Lessons from Tolstoy – Tolstoy rose at dawn to write, then spent his afternoons working the fields. Simplicity, discipline, and a deep connection with nature fueled his creativity, proving that great ideas often emerge from a life well-lived, not just from time spent at a desk.

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I felt drawn to strong colors today—bold, vibrant hues that speak of warmth and connection. I also felt compelled to write about generosity of spirit and the old Romanian ways of being—about the deep-rooted tradition of sharing food, of gathering as a community, of giving without hesitation. Back then, no one spoke of “self-love”, yet no one seemed as disconnected from themselves as so many are today. There was an unspoken understanding that life was meant to be lived “together”, in moments of shared abundance and quiet solidarity.

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For some, life feels like a relentless battlefield, though the reason remains a mystery. Yet, the very fact that we keep going is a testament to our resilience. It’s as if the immense challenges we’ve faced in the past have somehow prepared us for the ones that keep emerging—like snakes slithering through the grass, always ready to strike. And still, we stand, unyielding, forging ahead with the strength we’ve built through every battle.

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Sometimes, self-expression takes shape in a handmade notebook, a stack of magazines, and a spark of intuition. It’s always fascinating to notice what draws us in—images, words, colors—each choice revealing something about our inner world.

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Using bright colors—my way of saying, "I AM here despite it all!"

I write about what I know.

I write based on my own experiences!

I share because I want to finally make my voice heard!

The Weight of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying doesn’t just knock your confidence—it dismantles your sense of self. When you’re belittled, excluded, or undermined daily, it can feel like the entire world operates this way, leaving you hopeless. Some say bullies act like animals, but that’s an insult to nature. Animals act on instinct; bullies choose their cruelty. These people aren’t just unkind—they thrive on control, manipulation, and the suffering of others. And yet, despite their attempts to break you, you’re still standing.

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