"Not on the shortlist" , by Erik Pevernagie, (100 cm x80cm), Oil on canvas When people have not learned to interpret the past, to read the present, and to imagine and empower the future, they are living a life without a punch line. They remain clueless about the story they are embarked upon. If our mind remains freeze-framed by inhibiting and hampering habits, in an ever-changing world, we won’t be able to get rid of that weird feeling of not belonging anywhere and not taking part in the authentic life challenges. Some are wrestling with the permanent obsession of not being on the shortlist of people’s attention and are depressed as they have never and ever nominated them for luck. This sense of powerlessness cripples their lust for life. It saps each initiative they would like to take, creating a sentiment of unbearable exclusion and a feeling of the disintegration of their personality. The fact of missing the presence of heart-warming people and uplifting opportunities makes them uncomfortable in their skin. Not being lucky or not being on the shortlist of one’s wishes or dreams may be incredibly dispiriting. Never being on the shortlist of people’s attention may arouse a sense of desolation. However, if we take the compelling circumstances as expectant challenges to excel and exceed ourselves, unexpected power can inflame our inner self. It may incite us never to give up, and to hit the ground and run, ever since life may offer an astounding window of opportunity to assert oneself in a land of contention.