Life for all of us begins as an empty canvas, gradually painted over with vibrant hues that go beyond mere blacks and whites. A slow process, sometimes painstaking and other times fluid, continuously transforming a vast emptiness into a complex scene where each experience is marked by a new brushstroke. While blacks and whites may offer simplicity and clarity, they often fail to capture the intricacies and nuances of the challenges we face. We must recognize that navigating life requires more than simple yes or no answers. It is in embracing the shades of grey, the uncertainties and ambiguities, that we discover the true depth of our experiences.

In our quest for understanding, though, it is comforting to acknowledge our limits by seeking ways to simplify the overwhelming. Simplification can provide mental solace while crucially serving as a guidepost for measuring our progress. Just as knowing your location on a map is vital to reaching your destination, understanding your limits and priorities in simple, direct wording enables growth and empowers you to make informed choices. However, we must question whether viewing the world solely in black and white is the most comprehensive approach.

Black and white thinking, or “binaries”, are a great method to establish boundaries helping you realize your goals in any thought process. They serve as the materials composing the various tints and shades covering your canvas, without which the portrait loses its perception of depth.

Binaries are your first level of guidance in the grey areas of thought.

As people, while it is important to recognize our freedom of choice and individual agency, there are times when seeking wisdom from others can be invaluable. The perspectives and insights of those around us can illuminate the grey areas and help us navigate unclear decisions. Yet, it is crucial not to become overly reliant on this external guidance. Relying too heavily on others can lead to a loss of personal integrity and a dependence that may ultimately prove detrimental. The reality is that people have their own lives and challenges, limiting their availability to guide us consistently. Believing that help will always be readily available can be a precarious assumption. As we mature, we must recognize that seeking guidance is a personal responsibility—one that goes beyond chasing help or advice. It is an active pursuit of knowledge, acquired through experience and research.

Seeking wisdom from others is your second level of guidance in decision making.

Guidance is the compass that steers us toward informed decisions and optimal outcomes. It is a journey of self-discovery, where we learn to seek and embrace knowledge in various forms. While instinct and innate wisdom may provide a foundation, much of our growth comes from engaging with opportunities and learning from others. People, with their diverse experiences, become valuable sources of knowledge. By observing and learning from them, we expand our understanding of the world. However, it is important not to become dependent on others' guidance, but rather to cultivate our own ability to seek knowledge and make informed choices.

In this digital age, opportunities for learning and growth abound. The internet provides a vast expanse of knowledge waiting to be explored. Engaging with diverse perspectives, conducting research, and actively pursuing opportunities to expand our understanding are key to personal growth and self-guided navigation.

Solitary effort is your third and final level of guidance in navigating your brush out of the grey and into the infinity of hues constantly making their way onto your artwork.

As we traverse the intricacies of life, let us not be intimidated by the grey areas, acknowledging the limitations of binary thinking. Let us seek guidance, not as a crutch, but as a means to broaden our perspectives and acquire knowledge. Through self-driven pursuit and engagement with the world around us, we unlock the wisdom and insights that shape our individual journeys.