At the risk of being criticized by those of you who think this is too off topic, I'm sharing it anyway. I'm actually hoping everyone takes the time to read it, because it's so on point. It's about learning to accept the roller coaster ride our journey in business and personal growth really is. I've written before about Sheila getting me into Melody Beattie's books just to feed my soul with something other than business, photography or my hobbies. Melody's contribution to my day yesterday was right on point. If you want to find out more about her and more from the book this post is from, just click on the cover on the left. "Stop waiting for the one moment in time that will change your life. Instead, cherish all the moments. A desert cactus that blooms briefly only once a year does not consider all the moments it is not in bloom wasted. It considers them necessary and important. It knows the rest of the year, the rest of its life, it is beautiful, too.
All the moments count. The quiet moments. The moments of boredom and solitude. The moments of grandeur. The agonizing moments when we feel sad, angry and upset. Each moment in time is equally important. Don't wait and hope for the one thing, the one person, the one event, that will change your life, plummet you into the future and the life you desire. Instead remember that each moment in time brings change, evolution, and transformation. Most of us relish the magnificent spiritual experiences, those tremendous discoveries, those important times of change. But those moments don't happen that often. The truth is, each moment in time is a spiritual experience, an important time of change. Cherish all your moments. Soon you will see the beauty and power of each. Let each moment have value. Let each day of your life be the spiritual experience you seek. The power to change and evolve lies within you. The life you desire is happening right now. Your destiny is here. Cherish all your moments - Embrace the beauty and importance of each one." I started blogging six years ago and if you look at everything I've shared, including guest posts from so many amazing and giving artists, there's a common theme - we want to help you raise the bar on your quest to be the very best. I wanted to share this piece this morning because it hits so hard on an error we all make over and over again - we forget that growing pains don't just happen to kids, but to each of us every day. We can ignore those moments that are less than stellar or just appreciate them for what they are - proof that we're alive and on the right path! Wishing everybody a terrific Tuesday!
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I got a message from Facebook this morning reminding me that two years ago today, Sal Cincotta sent me an announcement about the new issue of Shutter Magazine. It was a fun trip down memory lane, having now contributed to every issue since it started, but it's even more fun to think about today's date, May 3. It's six years today that I stopped living your dreams vicariously and started chasing my own! May 3, 2009 I incorporated my company in Ohio. I had no idea what I was going to be doing, just knew I needed to leave the nest of a lifetime of corporate security, always working for other people. At that point my career was seven years at Rangefinder/WPPI, two and a half with PhotoAlley, twelve with Hasselblad USA and 17 1/2 with Polaroid. Total it all and it's 39 years working for other companies. So, it's a Sunday morning and as usual I'm kicking back in a reflective mode and thinking about how much I've learned. Truthfully, as much as I've always learned a lot in every position I ever held, it's these last six that have contributed the most.
So, on this gorgeous Sunday anniversary-of-my-business morning, it's a big thanks to everybody who's played a role, even a couple of trolls here and there. I've quoted Tenneson a few times over the years with, "I am a part of all that I have met!" Well, gang, you're all a part of me and the reasons why I love what I do, along with this amazing industry. Wishing everybody a wonderful Sunday - and as always a day filled with family, friends, spirituality and hugs for people special in your life. Thanks for your support, your encouragement and most of all your friendship! "Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down." Charles Kettering I've met several photographers recently who while they talk a good game about their love for the craft and the passion to grow as artists, they seem to be waiting for something to happen. They're virtually sitting down, waiting for the "Success Bus" to swing by and pick them up. They've lost focus on their goals. Stop looking for success, but don't stop working on being the very best artist, business/marketing expert and person you can be. You have to have confidence that "good things really do come to those who wait" or "no pain no gain" or even "no guts no glory". All of us have heard those lines our entire lives and rolled our eyes every time one of our parents or grandparents said them to us. The point is, it's the end of the week and the busy season is back with a vengeance. You know how to focus your camera, now it's time to focus on your business, your skill set and your clients. Have the confidence in knowing there are so many of us who have been exactly where you are right now...wondering how long it's going to be before things start to click. This week I sent an email to a motivational speaker I met close to forty years ago, Ed Foreman. He's in his 80's and lives in Texas. I wanted to thank him for something he said at a workshop I attended in the 70's. I quoted him in a post just a few days ago. Well, he wrote back to me and what he wrote is perfect for this morning... Stay Perky, Prepared and Prosperous...'n remember, "SUCCESS is not final, FAILURE is not fatal; it is the Courage to Continue that Counts!" Keep Smiling 'n Stay Happy, Healthy and TERRIFIC! |
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