Sometimes we look at a beautiful painting or a cozy room and think that the bright colors are the only thing making it special. We assume that without the vibrant yellows or the deep blues, the soul of the piece would simply vanish. But Pierre Bonnard reminds us of a deeper truth when he says that color does not add a pleasant quality to design, it reinforces it. This means that color isn't just a decoration or a layer of glitter thrown on top of something plain; it is a tool that strengthens the foundation, highlights the structure, and gives more weight to the underlying intention.

In our everyday lives, we often try to use 'color' to mask things that feel unfinished or hollow. We might try to use grand gestures, expensive gifts, or loud words to hide a lack of genuine connection or a messy heart. We think that if we just add enough sparkle, people won't notice the shaky foundation underneath. But just like in a great design, adding brightness to a weak structure doesn't fix the design; it only makes the flaws more visible. True beauty comes when the 'colors' of our actions—our kindness, our passion, and our energy—are used to support the solid values we have already built within ourselves.

I remember a time when I was trying to decorate my little corner of the pond. I bought all these bright, colorful flowers and ribbons, thinking they would make my space feel happy. But the ground was dry and the little wooden bench I had was wobbly and broken. No matter how many bright petals I scattered, the space still felt unsettled. It wasn't until I took the time to fix the bench and nourish the soil that the colors actually started to sing. Once the structure was strong, the colors didn't just sit there; they danced and brought the whole garden to life.

When you approach your work, your relationships, or even your self-care, try to focus on the design first. Build your strength, your integrity, and your boundaries. Once your foundation is sturdy, look for ways to bring color into your life through your passions and your joy. Let your enthusiasm be the reinforcement for the person you are becoming. I invite you today to look at one area of your life where you might be adding too much decoration and not enough substance. How can you strengthen the core so that your natural brightness can truly shine through?