 by Skip Cohen Today's post is miles away from being directly tied to photography, but it's about inspiration and breast cancer. The short backstory is that it was a post on Facebook by Chrisi Adamson. She's a member of the Memory Care Alliance who I first met almost a year ago. It's also a post that I wish I could make mandatory for everyone to read! The post is about her fight with breast cancer. It's so inspirational that I'm running it like a public service message. I'm not sharing the video here, but the screenshot of Chrisi ringing the bell is enough to appreciate the message behind it. And a BIG thanks to Chrisi for allowing me to share her story.  by Chrisi Adamson
I have held this video moment close to my heart for about three weeks. I am going to share because if this helps one lovely woman out there to go get a mammogram it was worth any discomfort that comes from sharing deeply personal things. It is also the closest way to attempt to thank everyone. After a double mastectomy on 5/24/24, we found out I had IDC Triple Positive Breast Cancer; the tumor was found after surgery. 6/27/24 I started chemo and immunotherapy. There have been 30 infusions, so many trips to Moffitt, surgeries (with more to come), countless labs, a port, daily shots, bone pain, low white blood cell counts, scars (some you can see, some are just for me to carry), infection scares, poor blood supply to skin, hair loss, neuropathy, weight loss, weight gain, joint pain, menopause, depression, anxiety, deep fatigue, brain fog, and so much more. Growing up my Gram would always say: “God never gives you more than you can handle.” Well, God and I have had many a chat. I have questioned if he has overestimated my strength but in the end I know Fanny Mae was right. It is not pretty but you keep moving. The only way out is through. If I have learned anything through this, it is that extremes exist side by side.
If I listed 100 people, I would surely leave out 500 more. Every card, every text, every act got me and my family to where we are today. You are all so special. Woah- see why I have never posted much?! It’s a lot. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love. Words will never do it justice. Also, my kids and husband are the bravest and strongest people I know. On 7/17/25 I finished my active treatment! This video happened BECAUSE I went for my annual screenings. I felt nothing (couldn’t have), there was no pain, EVEN the screens missed the tumor found after surgery (I went in due too malignant microcalcifications). I thank God everyday for Moffitt, for screenings, for modern medicine and the research in treatment that makes my outcome so beautiful and real. Get screened annually. It works, it matters, it’s worth it. And for goodness sake if you ever need to talk, get facts, scream, or help a friend- reach out to me. I didn’t go through this alone and I am here to help so no one ever has to.
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 By adding a side quest to your day, you create space for curiosity, exploration, and playfulness and could discover something amazing and totally unexpected along the way. Ali Abdaal  Click to visit Don's website by Skip Cohen The quote above is another gem from Lou Mitchell for today's "365 Daily Handpicked Reflections." It's the perfect thought for the day before the weekend. He went on to write: In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in the routine and focus solely on our main objectives. However, adding a 'side quest' — a small, enjoyable activity outside of our regular tasks — can spark curiosity and lead to unexpected discoveries. These side quests can revitalize our minds and bring fresh perspectives, often unveiling hidden talents or passions. But I want to take his thoughts a step further into our world of photography. Tony Corbell, back in the film days, used to suggest to every photographer to save the last couple of frames of every roll of film and do something completely different from the way you usually shoot. His point was to make it a habit to think outside the box, or better yet, think like there was no box. And as Don Blair used to say, "Once you know all the rules, you can break them!" From exposure, to composition, to lighting in the studio, even posing - mix it up. The same applies to your specialty. For example, most of you shy away from macro photography, but there's a whole world out there that most of us miss, simply because we never look close enough. Don Komarechka is one of the most recognized macro artists in the world, and he's built a career out of photographing things we never see, yet they're around us all the time. So, to the point of this post...Take the time today or over the weekend and come up with your own side quest adventure into some aspect of life you've never visited. Growth only occurs outside your comfort zone, and there's no telling where your new quest might take you. Happy Friday! Have a great weekend! And when it comes to mixing things up a little...
Don't let old "maps" limit your journey! Unknown Author  I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done. Lucille Ball  by Skip Cohen Writing on Hump Day is becoming a little like Sunday Morning Reflections - I never know what I'm going to share until I sit down at the computer. But today was easier than most, thanks to the quote above, which, courtesy of Lou Mitchell, was yesterday's dose of positivity. He went on to write...Inaction...can leave us with "what ifs" and a sense of missed potential. By choosing to act, we open ourselves to growth, adventure, and the possibility of success. Think about a recent opportunity you hesitated to take. How might your life be different if you had embraced it, regardless of the outcome? Regardless of whether or not you've formally written down your bucket list, everyone has that secret list that resides in your heart and the back burners of your brain. There are things you want and hope to do, from what seem like fantasy adventures, to simply new skills, fine-tuning of your business or personal life, or complete changes in your day-in-day-out routine. So, as a Hump Day activity, how about grabbing a coffee and taking a break from whatever you're working on? Take an hour and just clear your head and think about your bucket list. You don't have to make it complicated. Maybe start with a short-term bucket list just for the rest of the summer. You can always go back and expand the ideas, but the key to success is to move those bucket list ideas from the back burner to the front. I'm a big fan of writing stuff like this down. Having a little structure to your bucket list gives you the ability to return from time to time and check on your progress, as well as add or delete new ideas. In 2007, Jack Nicholson* and Morgan Freeman starred in "The Bucket List." If you do nothing else today, take four minutes to watch the YouTube clip below. Then, go find the movie! One of the responses in the YouTube comments to the clip was, "This movie was my wake-up call… I played it 'safe' my whole life, and I decided to start living and take chances. I never felt more alive. :)" The biggest challenge is being committed to the process and having faith in your ability to achieve anything you want on the list. That leaves me with the perfect closer for today, which I've shared before. Framed on a wall in our home is the following: Faith...is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Happy Hump Day! *A Big thanks to my good buddy Glen Clark for catching the typo...whoever posted the YouTube piece has it wrong.  by Skip Cohen I saw this piece posted on my FB notifications a few weeks ago. It hit me hard then, and I've since read it several times. For the most part, I've stayed out of the social media battles over the current state of America. I've stayed away from all the bullshit...even held back on commenting on all the fake news that people from both sides jump on. When I read this piece by Elayne Griffin Baker, written in 2020, I couldn't get it out of my mind. It's not just about the lack of joy but also about pride. I've watched friends withdraw; friends leave the country and done my best to search out the truth in the news, a virtually impossible task. The poem says it all...no need for me to comment further...and if it results in some of my readers no longer following me, our "friendship" would have disappeared sooner or later anyway. There's no art in this White House. There's no literature, no poetry, no music. There are no pets in this White House, no loyal man's best friend, no Socks the family cat, no kids science fairs. No time when the president takes off his blue suit red tie uniform and becomes human, except when he puts on his white shirt-khaki pants uniform and hides from Americans to play golf. There are no images of the First Family enjoying themselves together in a moment of relaxation. No Obamas on the beach in Hawaii moments, or Bushes fishing in Kennebunkport. No Reagans on horseback, no Kennedy's playing touch football on the Cape. Where'd that country go? Where did all the fun, the joy and the expression of love and happiness go? We used to be a country that did the Ice Bucket Challenge and raised millions for charity. We used to have a President that calmed and soothed the nation instead of dividing it, and a First Lady who planted a garden instead of ripping one out. We are rudderless and joyless. We have lost the cultural aspect of society that make America great. We have lost our mojo, our fun, our happiness, our cheering on of others. The shared experience of humanity that makes it all worth it. The challenges and the triumps that we shared and celebrated. The unique can-do spirit that America has always been known for. We are lost. We have lost so much in so short a time. -Elayne Griffin Baker- My apologies to the author of this footnote below. It was on the FB notifications page with the poem above. If someone knows the author I'll update this post.
Across the world, we are watching the rise of strongmen who sneer at laughter unless it's aimed downward. Who confuse control with leadership. Who rip up gardens instead of planting seeds. And people feel it. Even if they can't name it, they know something is missing. The absence of joy is not visible. It's a heaviness that settles over everything. It's the dull ache of a country that no longer pauses to cheer for each other, to laugh, to mourn, to dream. Without joy, what are we even fighting for? What are we building? Power alone is not a vision. Authority without empathy is not greatness. A nation without joy is not leading the world, it's warning it. So let's stop pretending this is just about policy. The mood of a leader shapes the mood of a country. And when that tone is mean, vindictive, hollow, and cold, it spreads. It settles into the bones of a nation. People are not machines. We are not here only to consume, to obey, to win. We are here to live. To feel. To connect. And to make something beautiful together, even if just for a moment. There's nothing more I can add...except that it's going to take each and everyone of us to get America back.  So, if you got a fire, don't lose it If you got a do-or-die dream, do it If you got something to prove, go on and prove it Don't let nobody clip your wings Keep your head down, keep on the blinders Tune out the doubters and all the closed minders If it's in your blood Fallin' down ain't enough to change who you were born to be Gettin' back up, that's the only backup plan you need. by Skip Cohen I don't usually quote lyrics from country songs, but I just heard "Backup Plan" by Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs, and the lyrics to the chorus are perfect words to live by! It's Friday, and this is a short post. Everyone, at some point, hits a wall when something they were working on or hoping for just doesn't happen. But here's the point - listen to your heart first. Next, stop listening to people who don't share your vision. It's hard enough to be in business today without feeling like you're swimming upstream because the doubters in your life seem to think they have the right to redirect your energy! Wishing everyone a weekend with time to relax, dream, and make a little progress on whatever vision you have for your future. Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision,
hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. Gail Devers  Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles. It takes away today's peace. There is no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind. Randy Armstrong by Skip Cohen I started this series after reading a few great quotes I hadn't heard before. That led to wanting to share them, especially when they seemed relevant to many of today's challenges. It's a short post going into what's about to become a pivotal weekend in America, June 14. With protests all over the country and an estimated 46 million dollars being spent on celebrating the army and Donald Trump's birthday, there's a lot I just don't understand. Understanding is only half the challenge - because what we read or what's reported in the news can't be trusted. Sheila and I have chosen to simply keep focused on our life together and what we can support or change. We're doing our best not to let the fear of the future interrupt our peace. I heard a comment back in January from an unhappy photographer, "I'm just going to live in a snow globe for the next four years." Well, our snow globe is our local community. I miss the America I've known most of my life. I miss respecting our government because it was made up of people smarter than us. Well, the true experts have been fired, and the country is being run by a group that has forgotten about being for the people. In fact, for our own businesses, most of us wouldn't hire the majority of the people we see in the news these days. I'm trying hard not to make this into a political statement, and it's impossible. So, I'll wrap it up with another great quote. We spend countless hours reading, listening to, and watching other people's opinions
about what we should do, how we should think, and how we should live, but make comparatively little effort applying that knowledge and making it our own. Tiago Forte  The type of camera you use for photography makes no difference. A loving, open heart makes a photograph, not a camera. by Skip Cohen
I'm having some fun with great quotes, and the one above is one I shared 15 years ago on Facebook. I still hear people asking photographers, "What camera did you use?" Even in a world being touched by AI, it still amazes me that there are people who think it's the gear that makes the image, when it still takes an artist's creativity. So, the next time somebody asks you whose camera you use, there's a better answer. Years ago, I was in Tucson when Richard Avedon turned over his archives to the Center for Creative Photography. His travel camera, which he loved to play with at the time, was an old-style Polaroid SX-70.  Faith...is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Unknown by Skip Cohen While it might seem like a strange post this morning, it's right in line with what I'm feeling after coming off of a terrific long weekend. We all know how to hold focus with a camera in our hands, but what about staying focused on our hopes and dreams? The world is upside down. The quote above is framed and on a wall in our home. While I see it several times every day, that doesn't mean it always sinks in. Blind optimism used to be enough to get me through the craziness of the world, but today, it takes work. The bottom line? I can't fix the world, but I can do my best with my little piece of it and the dreams and hopes I have for myself and my own family. And if each of us focuses on making our little piece of the world better, the big picture might get a little brighter too. It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
John Wooden  While it may seem small, the ripple effect of small things is extraordinary. Matt Bevin  by Skip Cohen Remember, it's Sunday, and I never talk about business when writing Reflections! It's my time to share and remind you about something entirely outside the daily stress of being a business owner. Today's subject is a perfect example. There's a small porch off my home office, and it's ideal for anything that grows with minimal attention and high heat. I'm not sure why the original owners added it to the house because it's enclosed on all sides without any cross-ventilation. At least eight months out of the year, it's too hot to be on. That's where Sheila decided to put a few cactuses...and she was right! This week, my own private desert came into bloom. In all my travels over the years, I've never caught the desert in bloom. But having a few cacti in the family has given me a front-row seat to what it must be like. (And while I did give the image above one little tweak in Luminar, it was just to play with the background.) As I've gotten older, it's the little things I appreciate more and more every day. Looking out the window yesterday and seeing a cactus flower made me smile. The color, the irony of something that beautiful, which has pretty much been ignored of any care, including water or even fertilizer, is a mini-miracle. There's so much we take for granted and miss! We walk right by all the little things because we're too busy and stressed to notice. After all, how can you take time to appreciate a flower blooming when the world is falling apart? If you look at the big picture, you start losing your focus on the little things. Julius Randle There are so many little things in my life that give me joy...my day starts with Sheila and I getting up together and taking care of the pups...we take them out, get them brushed, and then they get a treat to start the day. Later, Sheila and I have breakfast together - almost always avocado toast with an egg over the top. Meanwhile, the house is always filled with music, and you can never predict what's going to be playing - starting the day with Spa Radio and finishing it with Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Ed Sheeran, CSN, or some other random artist, usually from the past. Here's my point - pay attention to the little things that make you smile. On the toughest of days, there are always little things that add to your life and give it that extra seasoning, just like the spices you put on a steak before you throw it on the grill. Looking for a little respite from the big pressures in your life? Take the time to notice all the little things - they'll become magical. Wishing everybody a terrific day ahead. If you're in the US, it's Memorial Day weekend and most of you have the Monday holiday to kick back and enjoy all the little things together with the big ones in your life. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about...they're little things that have big meaning because they're reserved for those people most special! Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world. Find magic in the little things, and the big things you always expected will start to show up.
Isa Zapata  A.I. image from Adobe Stock The death rate for people who play it safe and for people who live boldly is the same: 100% Patti Dighi Seriousness is overrated. If you want to achieve more without runing your life, the first step is to approach your work with a sense of play. Ali Abdaaf by Skip Cohen It's Hump Day, and whatever I post, I like to keep it short. I ran across the two quotes above this morning, and they hit on a topic I've tried to live by for most of my adult life. Remember, I'm still a work in progress, so I haven't always gotten it right. When I look back on different aspects of my career, the most significant and rewarding jobs/projects have always had an element of work-hard-play-hard. From those jobs have come incredible friendships and a network build on trust with some amazing people. The only thing I'll add to the sentiment of the two quotes today, is that there are so many of you whom I've met and talked with who are simply over-focused on the challenges in life. As I've written before, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't totally in it! I'm not suggesting you take anything too lightly - but now and then, ease up a little and focus on what YOU need. What puts a smile on your face and makes your heart soar, even just a little bit? Who are the people in your life you wish you connected with more often? Who gets those eleven-second hugs I always write about on Sundays? Happy Hump Day...and here's one more thought that ties in with today's theme... You were born an original. Don't die a copy.
John Mason  Never forget how to take care of yourself because others won't forget how to use you. Unknown by Skip Cohen
It's Hump Day, and I try it keep it relatively light, but depending on your state of mind, today's topic could be just a quiet reminder or a critical point to help you focus. Now and then, I share a point from Lou Mitchell's book, Mastering Positive Thinking. A few days ago, he shared the quote above and then went on to write: Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. In a world where demands and expectations are constant, and burnout is one of the most prevalent illnesses, it's easy to prioritize others' needs over our own. However, neglecting self-care can leave us vulnerable to being taken advantage of, as people often remember how to use our strengths and resources for their benefit. Learning to say no to preserve yourself is key. The world is nuts right now. From pissing off Mother Nature to the economy to the political arena, we're flooded with fake news from all sides. On any given day, most of us are fighting off some level of anxiety over the future. With the exception of the weather report, we don't know what to believe. At the same time, it's so easy to forget about self-care and help friends and worthy causes, putting our own needs on the back burner. I'm not suggesting anybody become selfish, but being just a little self-centered isn't a bad thing. Caregivers for family members with Alzheimer's learn early on that they can't take care of their loved one if they're not taking care of themselves first. It's no different than a flight attendant speech reminding you that if you're flying with a child, put on your oxygen mask before putting on your kid's. Lou Mitchell went on to write: Are you taking adequate care of yourself, or are you constantly catering to others' needs? What boundaries can you set to ensure you prioritize your well-being? How can you integrate self-care practices into your daily routine to maintain a healthy balance? And there's my point - you need to set some boundaries. For me, one area that needs my attention is what I read. I've stopped scrolling through all the bullshit on Facebook. There's one post after another that's fake news, and it's from all sides, as more and more people think their opinion is the only one. Sheila and I have even developed our own technique for watching the news - we pre-record and can get through Lester Holt and David Muir, both 30-minute news broadcasts, in less than 15 minutes! This doesn't mean we accept the craziness in the world; it's just that our own sanity comes before allowing us to get upset over reports that are yet to be proven true! So, whether it's more sleep, exercise, eating better, setting boundaries on input to your life, or just taking time to smell the roses - you know how to hold focus with you camera, but what about YOU? Wishing everybody a day when you can focus on what you need most! Happy Hump Day!  When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. Alexander Den Heijer by Skip Cohen
It's Friday, and I've gotten in the habit of keeping whatever I share relatively light. When I ran across the quote above a few minutes ago, I started thinking about how some of the artists I've worked with over the years are incredibly talented but can't seem to find that special level of passion that makes whatever they're working on fun. Remember "fun?" It's one of those words that often gets lost under the stress of running a business combined with outside challenges like the economy, politics, taxes, etc. As I've written before, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it. So, if you're feeling a little down before you even start the day, take a little time off. Walk away from your business, whether it's just for an hour or a day or two. Think back to the vision you had of being a professional photographer. What's missing from that original dream? Do you need to expand your skill set? Do you need to bring in a partner/partners? Are you hitting the right demographics for your marketing and promotion? The list of questions can go on and on until you hit that "ah-ha" moment, where it all starts to make sense. Here's the bottom line - life is too short to treat today like a dress rehearsal for something bigger and better. You're the only one who can figure out what's going to make you smile and your heart sing. I know it sounds pretty sappy, but the future is up to you. Don't be afraid to get help from people in your network's core. Sometimes, all you need is a little outside help from a close friend, family member, or associate to see what's missing. Wishing everybody a terrific weekend ahead! And if I can help figure out how to put fun back in your business, you know where to find me!  A.I. Images from Adobe Stock  by Skip Cohen
It's Sunday morning, and I always jump the tracks from my usual topics and wander off, usually into new territory that is NEVER in line with business topics. Last week, I wrote a post just on my Facebook page. It was April 1, and I realized that it had been 16 years since I resigned from Rangefinder Publishing/WPPI and started my own company. The response from friends was remarkable. A few days later, I shared a post about the Alzheimer's event I was involved with in Sarasota. That post resulted in a phone call from an old friend who simply said, "You just don't slow down, do you?" In the process of deciding what I wanted to share this morning, scrolling through Facebook, there was a quote from Anthony Hopkins: I am fully aware of my mortality, but at 87 years old, I still wake up every morning with the desire to misbehave. Age is not a barrier when you find passion in what you do. The real secret lies in keeping your curiosity alive, continuing to learn, and not letting the fear of time stop you from enjoying life. Every day is a new opportunity to create, to laugh, and to show that it is never too late to move forward with enthusiasm and joy. As I've gotten older, my priorities have changed. I've learned to hit the mute button on the "negators" in my life. I've accepted that I creak for ten minutes when I get up every morning. I'm well aware that I sleep better when we eat dinner early, and I finally understand my grandparents, whom I made fun of as a kid for eating at 5:00! My list of growing limitations goes on, but one thing NEVER changes - my passion for the day ahead. My passion for life is right in line with Anthony Hopkins' comment about curiosity, learning, and not worrying about growing older. But I couldn't do it by myself. It all starts with Sheila's support and, here and there, a kick in my ass reminding me to "stand tall." Then there are two pups, Lucy and Belle, who expand my cheerleading squad. Finally, expanding my support team, there are some amazing friends, most of who are part of this incredible industry I stumbled into so many years ago. And here's my point this morning. Aging ain't pretty, and it's not easy, but the greatest lesson I've learned in life is that none of us are alone. We can't stop the clock, but we can slow it down by taking the time to savor every moment and keeping curiosity alive. Taking time to smell the roses, isn't just an expression, but a solid rule to live by. Wishing everybody a day ahead that's filled with passion, reflection, and curiosity. Don't waste time worrying about tomorrow and missing today. Take the time to laugh, not just a light chuckle, but one of those from the gut laughs that fuel more laughs and smiles. And when you're giving one of those eleven-second therapeutic hugs to someone you love, think back to a time you two were together that made you both laugh. "It's never too late to move forward with enthusiasm and joy!" Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.  Risk more than other's think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is realistic. Claude Bissell by Skip Cohen
It's Friday, and I've gotten into the routine of sharing my thoughts each week that's based on a great quote I've stumbled across. The quote above is a prime example, and it seems to be how I've aged into my life at this point, although I'm still work in progress. The quote came out of Lou Mitchell's book on positive thinking. He went on to write some great advice: Reflect on your current approach to life. Are you playing it safe and adhering to what others consider wise and practical? How can you start taking more risks, caring more deeply, dreaming bigger, and expecting greater outcomes --to live a life that genuinely excites and fulfills you? Now, let's take that quote and apply it to the business of being a professional photographer and artist. Over the years, I've met so many photographers who play everything safe! To compare it to your skill set, it's the equivalent of always shooting at f8! Years ago, I heard a great comment about growth..."Growth only happens outside your comfort zone." Well, nothing could be more true than the way too many of you run your business. What seems to happen is like a progressive disease. It starts when you stop taking risks, even the smallest ones. Before you realize it, you've become a Master of Mediocrity, not caring about maximum quality. After all, you've convinced yourself that most consumers don't know the difference. Then your dreams slow down, and instead of imagining the future, you ponder what went wrong in the past. Last on the list, you've lowered your expectations because you're tired of being disappointed. The entire scenario becomes the ultimate negative self-fulfilling prophecy. But here's the cool thing about all of this - nothing has to be forever. The power to change is all with you. Start by thinking back to the vision you had for your career. Next, what does it take to get back on track, or, is there a new track? What do you need to do? Last, put a date on your future...a timeline to grow your business and skill set to what you need to be more competitive live a more fulfilling life. Everything will start to fall into place...just being in business today is a risk. So, risk, care, dream, and expect more! Stop living an f8 life because there's so much more when you shoot and live wide open! Wishing everybody a great weekend!  Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Steve Jobs by Skip Cohen
I've gotten in the habit of sharing a quote from one of my favorite motivational books, Mastering Positive Thinking, by Lou Mitchell. These days, it's not that easy to stay positive. I seem to be getting good at compartmentalizing and separating the insanity in the outside world into what I can and can't control. I'm not saying we're not concerned, frustrated, angry, or astonished by the craziness in this country now; just that life is too short not to be true to ourselves in pursuing my own passions and dreams. It's about authentic living rather than conforming to anyone else's expectations. Lou Mitchell wrote: ...Authentic living requires courage and self-awareness, enabling you to make choices that reflect your true desires. Remember, your unique journey is valuable and worth pursuing wholeheartedly...Reflect on areas in your life where you may be compromising your authenticity. In some areas are you conforming to others' expectations instead of following your own path? It's always worth doing a quick inventory of your dreams and visions. Most of us are miles away from what we thought our lives would be like looking forward to when we were younger. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does help to look back and ask, "How did I get here?" Wishing everybody a terrific weekend and time just to chill and dream!  Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin. Henry David Thoreau by Skip Cohen While I'm always miles away from topics like business and marketing on Sunday mornings, I had a hard time focusing on writing today. The world has turned upside down. It's becoming more and more difficult to stay focused on personal goals, life, and just plain old happiness, without getting sucked down the political rabbit hole, especially in social media. When I read the quote above yesterday, what author Lou Mitchell shared after Thoreau's quote really hit home: Life is about the depth of our experiences, not the length of our days. Thoreau's words remind us that the true tragedy is not death, but living a life that has never truly begun. We get caught up in fears, routines, and the pursuit of security, forgetting to embrace the present and the opportunities it holds. Each day offers a chance to start anew, to step out of our comfort zones, and to live with intention and passion. ...What dreams or experiences have you been putting off? What changes can you make to start truly living, rather than waiting for the perfect moment? Here's my point - so many of us have hit the pause button on many of our goals and dreams. The rationale is to wait until the "storms pass." Well, there will always be storms, walls to climb, and doors to break down. We're living in a Roseanne Rosanna Danna period...you know, "It's ALWAYS something!" I'm not trying to minimize the seriousness of current events; I'm just trying to remind myself that nobody gets to stand in the way of my dreams and the things that make me smile, and my heart soar. Wishing everybody a day ahead that allows you time to focus on the people who best understand not just your dreams, but your frustrations as well. We're living in bizarre times, but that doesn't mean we have to put how we visualized our life to be on the "back-burner." You know how to hold focus on your camera; now it's time to hold focus on finding happiness. And the people who get those eleven-second hugs I always write about are the perfect partners to help you keep your aspirations tack-sharp. On the day following the Thoreau quote, author Lou Mitchell chose another relevant winner: When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it! Henry Ford Happy Sunday...or Monday if you're on the other side of the world.
 I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. Stephen Covey  Click above for more info by Skip Cohen A few weeks back, I started sharing a quote each week from what's become one of my favorite motivational books, One Day At a Time by Lou Mitchell. Reading something inspirational first thing in the morning gets the gears in my brain moving in the right direction. The quote above was for today, March 7, and Mitchell went on to write: Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, but it's our decisions that define us. Stephen Covey's words remind us that we hold the power to shape our own destiny. Rather than being passive victims of circumstance, we can choose how we respond to life's events. And there it is, my whole point to wrap up the week. It's the decisions we make that lead us closer to our goals or push us farther away. Here's a great example from a few years back during the pandemic: JP Elario is a remarkable photographer. When the pandemic hit, everybody was a victim of how it changed our lives, especially if you were a business owner and photographer. Well, JP looked at the challenge and created Facetime Portraits. He worked with his bridal clients, and captured stunning engagement portraits using Facetime, combined with his understanding of lighting, posing and composition. When most photographers were desperately looking for ways to save their business, JP built a new income stream for engagement photography. His story was later picked up by the 6:00 PM news in Albany, which added to his brand awareness. Facetime Portraits didn't completely replace the lost revenue from photographing weddings, but it did create a new income stream. At a time when other artists were acting like a deer in your headlights, JP didn't let the panic of the pandemic slow him down. I grabbed a few of JP's images below to make my point. Too often, we're victims of our own decisions, NOT the unexpected circumstances that arrived on our doorstep. Wishing everybody a weekend ahead loaded with great decisions and time to reflect on all the things you can do to move closer to your goals. Happy Friday! "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Steve Jobs
Images above copyright JP Elario. All rights reserved.
 You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis by Skip Cohen
I try and keep it light on Fridays, although I don't often succeed. But I am going to keep it short. I found the quote above in a book by Lou Mitchell, who went on to write: Reflect on your own life. Is there a dream you've put off because you thought it was too late? What can you do today to get back on track or set a new goal that excites you? Consider the experiences and knowledge you've gained over the years, and use them as a foundation to build new paths. All of us had dreams when we were kids. Many of them disappeared as we got older and the quest for achieving them became buried under the stress of what we chose to accept as reality. But the truth is, dreams don't go away. They fade and then get moved to a back burner. And there's my point - you're never too old to chase another goal or fulfill a dream. The key is not to let time get in the way. Whether there's something you've always wanted to do, a place you always wanted to go, or simply a skill you wish you'd learn, there's time...but you're the only one who can decide the direction of your next adventure. Wishing everybody a weekend ahead with time to chase your dreams and start a new adventure. Nothing is outside your reach.  "You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it." Charles Buxton by Skip Cohen I always try and keep it light as we head into the weekend, especially in the "slow season." Here's a thought as we hit the last weekend in February: A photographer I've known for a fairly long time asked me for some help in determining where his business needs the most attention. I was happy to give him a hand, but he never came back with what he needed me to look at in his business. When I contacted him to see what had happened a few months later, his response was, "I just haven't had the time." This is a short post today: While we can't stop time or hit a magical rewind button, we do have control of our time, but it doesn't just happen. When there's something we want to do, it's only going to happen if we MAKE the time. Lou Mitchell, in his book Positive Thinking - One Day at a Time, wrote: ... time is one of our most precious resources, yet it often feels scarce. Waiting to find time for important activities and goals is futile...Reflect on your daily routine. Are there activities you wish you had more time for? How can you adjust your schedule to make time for these priorities? What steps can you take today to start making time for what matters most? Just two points today: Take a little time and review your priorities. So often, just when we start to get a little momentum on something, we're distracted. We take our foot off the gas and slow down - like a gaper's block driving past an accident on the freeway. You can't do big things if you're distracted by little things! Unknown Second, by staying overly focused on our cell phones, we're always reachable. Put phones together with email and social media, there's no place we can hide. Too many of us take every call and never say "No," when asked for help. I'm not suggesting you say "No" all the time, just prioritize better. You can't be everything to everybody, but you can find balance. You can be present for the things that matter most. The concept of always being reachable makes us present nowhere. Peter Arvai Wishing everybody a terrific weekend with time for the things that are most important in your life!
 Everything changed the day he figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in his life. The StoryPeople by Skip Cohen I know I shared the quote above a few years ago, but when something inspires us, our perspective can change as time goes by. Sheila and I have a collection of StoryPeople art, and this morning, I read the quote above. This post is for those of you "Chicken Littles" who spend your life worrying about time. You can't slow it down and you can't stop it, but if you get it in the right perspective, the speed that time flies by becomes an asset. I admit, being an old fart helps in the way I look at time today, and here's my point... I've learned to appreciate my goals and not be restricted by the time needed to accomplish what's important in my life. Over the years, I wasted so much time worrying about what I wanted to accomplish on any given day. I wasted time picking low-hanging fruit, not because it was easy to pick, but because my loftier goals might use up too much time. Life became about the quantity of things I got done, not always the quality! This is a short post this morning. Stop worrying about time and just focus on the task at hand. I've learned that everything always works out for the better, and while some goals and tasks are more difficult than others, once you accept that you really can have it all, everything falls into place. Happy Tuesday! PS And if you're looking for some great inspiration, thoughts on romance or simply a different perspective on life, check out the StoryPeople's website. (Please note: I do NOT work for them. They are not a client - I just love the way they seem to know exactly what's in my head and how to write it down.)  Click to visit the StoryPeople website |
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