It's Time for Some of You to Graduate!

We've all had days when the path we've chosen seems impossible, but we all have the power to change how we're traveling or chose a better path.

---

"There is no education like adversity."
Benjamin Disraeli

In trying to figure out what to post this morning I ran across the above quote in a great little quote book, "Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats". It's by Kathryn & Ross Petras and whether you enjoy quotes or not, it's a classic to have on your bookshelf. Just hit the cover and you can read more about them, along with their other books.

All of us have gone through tough stretches in our lives, whether business or personally related. For many of you, as aspiring artists, you've been fighting to build your skill set, market yourself and establish brand recognition. Some of you have it so tough that you've gotten the equivalent of a Masters Degree from the School of Hard Knocks.

But here's my point this gorgeous Saturday morning...

You have the power to graduate or at the very least, change schools! I won't deny that feeling of hopelessness we've all felt when things just keep getting us down. I also know the challenges only become as dark as you allow them and whichever way your mouth is turned when you get up in the morning is the way the rest of the day is going to go.

Yeah, I did just make it that simple. Even a forced smile is going to have an impact on the day. But, first you have to establish a few things to smile about:

• Get rid of the negative people in your life. They don't have to share your dreams, but you don't have to allow them to torpedo them either.

• Think about what your images looked like a few years ago. Be excited about what you've learned so far and stop worrying about how much you still have to learn. 

• Get yourself involved in a special project involving your camera. Maybe it's a 365 Program with a new image you're going to capture every day. Maybe it's a themed series of images you've always wanted to do on a specific topic. The point is, a special project, even when you're not sure of the outcome, keeps your creative genes in shape.

• Pick up a phone and call a friend or go have lunch with somebody you care about. Do something to have contact with a person you trust, respect and can open your heart.
  

Just remember passion trumps adversity, but you have to recognize it. You have to keep your dream in focus and pay attention to what's in your heart, even when adversity keeps suggesting you need bypass surgery!

Make it a great day everybody! Hug somebody special this weekend and don't let the fog of adversity roll in and block your vision.

Illustration credit:  © carloscastilla - Fotolia.com

---