I have always been enamoured of the space between objects in artworks and what  its purpose is. 
You may have seen diagrams of two side head portraits facing each other and the space in-between looks like a vase. Also illustrations by Escher where his objects start one way and merge into different objects across the page. Scientists have long said there was nothing in-between the atoms until quantum physics was discovered and now they realised there was much more going on in the supposed black empty void than in what we could see. This brings us to the inner world within ourselves which we cannot fully see except when our unconscious thoughts bubble up to the surface. There are also our perceptions which are limited by this unconscious world so we do not fully see all there is to experience.

As you have already experienced in your life, when you take courage to step thru challenges and come out the other side with more confidence to continue your life journey, the darkness or unknown self slowly emerges to lighter times. So in negative space painting, you begin with a conscious but unclear background and slowly utilise darker and darker layers to bring out shapes and objects hidden within. Then when the setting is right, you slowly begin to add light by adding lighter hues to brighten and bring the whole composition alive. Isn't that like life?  Slowly we are like an artwork,  transforming from darkness into the light; from the unconscious to the conscious into Awareness.

We always seem to be negotiating with ourselves about self-inflicted rules and boundaries and schedules. Sure some are real and practical like getting to employed work on time for our illusory security however the rest of the time is ours to choose with what we wish.

Family takes a certain second or perhaps first but after that we get to choose what is most important depending on our dreams, visions and purpose that we have acknowledged in our life. Time, although also illusory, can expand or contract depending on our focus and depth of our participation and action.  As we decide, time allows.  But we ask ourselves, am I ready?; for this vision and purpose. We do not realise that we are bargaining with an uncertain self and that self will always win. I asked that question of my art coach when I was considering her business art course and she said, " If not now, when?"  That did it for me.  My uncertain self had no recourse since the passion to proceed with my art future was non-negotiable however hard my limited self tries to undermine and question my desires.

"If not NOW, WHEN?" Spiritually and cosmically speaking, there is no other time but NOW so why not start.  Start that heartfelt project you have been putting off for ..how long?  Even one small step or task each day will get you closer and closer and then it is done.  So much fulfilment comes and satisfaction and joy with the process and the end product. Give that to yourself and you will have more of your enjoyable self to share with those you love and  important in your life.

I finished that business course and although it opened up so many more projects and ideas, the question still comes, if not NOW, WHEN?"