It is said that the fish represents eternity and knowledge. The symbol for eternity is a never-ending loop in the shape of a sideways figure eight. To me, this endless path represents endless opportunities to start over.

We see eternity as a sort of straight road that vanishes into an unfathomable distance. At least this is how I used to picture it, until today. The long, straight road image is far more fitting to knowledge, which is something we accumulate along the way, as we travel through life. Eternity is what allows us to back-track and bluntly jump into new dimensions of being. All it takes is a new choice and a start fresh.

I suspect this would look like this in a movie: Someone walks on a straight, sunny road, in search of meaning, experiences and connections. This person’s understanding of life and of what works for her, and what does not, changes with every step; every milestone. Suddenly, he stops. Close-up on the eyes. They are wide open. Cut to a wide angle. The person vanishes from his or her current position on the road and reappears miles behind. Close up on the ground. He takes a fresh, bold step. Direction, eternity. But the intention has changed.

I posted the fish pouch to my Etsy Shop today. As I considered its symbolism, I realized that person in the eternity road movie was me. Up until a few weeks ago, I was on my way somewhere, but the road was blurry and I walked halfheartedly. Suddenly, I stopped, as though I had known all along that I was lost, but could not admit it to myself until that moment. And wham! I vanished from the road and reappeared back where I was a year earlier, when I initially intended to make more room in my life for art.

So I started walking straight again. And the road is clear.