I have come to the realization that I am scared. A lot. And believe it or not, I am perfectly ok with that.
You see, not too long ago, I was never scared. I went to work and came home. I enjoyed time with my husband and my cockapoo. I went running, read a lot of books, watched some TV, and did other things to fill my time. And I truly enjoyed it.
But just a few years ago, I got scared - and I got moving. I suddenly realized this thing that I had done, taking pictures here and there, was becoming more than just a hobby. I began to fall in love with photography, everything from the business side to the fun, creative side. I started to read, read, read about how to take better pictures. I enrolled in school at the New York Institute of Photography. I picked up my camera more and more frequently, and turned it from landscapes (an art form in itself) to people.
In the process, I realized that I could truly fail at this. It is possible that in 10 years, I will look back on this and shake my head. This is one of the only things in my life where I do not have a guaranteed success. College, high school, and working...none of them were easy, but as long as I showed up on time, did the work, studied, and put in the effort, I knew I would succeed.
But photography is and was a whole new experience. I do not have guaranteed success. I am promised nothing beyond enjoyment for now. I could fall flat on my face, and everybody would know it.
Yet somehow, this drives me. I know that I want to succeed - and for me, success is about serving my clients and forming relationships, not making money or becoming famous (that is a different blog post though!). I know that I want to continue to improve. I know that I want to run after this thing, however big or terrifying it may be, knowing that I might fail...or I might, by some blessed chance, succeed.
Friends, stay scared. Do not let life pass you by. If you are content with the life you are living, fantastic! There is something sweet and good about a simple life. But if there is a passion inside of you, deep down, that you cannot get rid of no matter how hard you try, then run. Run hard after it and don't look back, no matter how scared you are.
Happy Sunday everyone!
