Journey . . .

Isn't that what life is? A journey.

To those who like to over think things then no it wouldn't be a journey because a journey usually has a destination. Living your life shouldn't be about getting your destination, but about the ride along the way. I read a little line tonight and how true it was.

'Don't compare your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.'

Such a little sentence, such a wake up.

How many times have we all judged others reactions to things. Such as what we would call over reaction, under reaction or maybe even as extreme as pure selfishness. How do we really know and who are we do even think such a thing. People tend to say 'I know what you're going through' or 'Yea been there!'.

Nope. You don't and haven't. You don't live anyone elses journey, but your own. Therefore you don't know why people react the way they do. Just because you may share a certain experience doesn't mean you handle things the same way. Even see things the same way.

We've all been guilty of judgement at some point or other and we really shouldn't be.

To each their own. That's what I always say. It may seem like sometimes I don't care about things, it's just my way of acceptance. I don't concern myself with the decisions of others usually. Mainly because I really don't understand why such a decision was made and unless you want to get deeply involved, you wouldn't ask why. I just accept that people know why they do things and if they're happy and not harming anyone, who's business is it?

Each and every one of us needs to suck every possible second of happiness out of the journey we're on. If you want something; jump. Make it happen. I'm not saying jump from a plane without a parachute, but don't let opportunity pass you by, because be assured, it doesn't go to waste. The next person to come along will take it.

When you come to a fork in the road where more than one opportunity presents itself; trust your gut. It will lead to a whole lot less regret then not.

If you come to a road block; plow through. Don't let it stop you, just figure out how to get around it. Hard work, determination and passion is what makes the world we know possible. Do you think Steve Jobs was met with cheers when he talked about his first step into greatness? Chances are slim. The great, don't become great at the beginning of their journey. Chances need to be taken. Whatever it is you want from your life needs to be given everything you've got.

Maybe it's an artist, CEO, self-made millionaire, a mother/father or an inventor. No matter how big or small others may think your dreams are, they're not impossible and don't have to remain dreams.

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it."

- Mother Teresa

-T-

Perseverance . . .

I have two P's in my life; Passion and Perseverance.

I believe with these two attributes I can accomplish anything.

I want to be a photographer. More then anything else, I want that.

I admit I'm a little intimidated by all of the successful photographers out there, but I've let other things deter me as well. No more. I had my epiphany a few days ago. Standing at work before the store opened, I simply looked around and said aloud; "What in the world am I doing?". This is not what I wanted for myself. It's at the completely other end of the spectrum from what I wanted for myself to be honest.

Then I came home and read over my posts here. That day was exactly the kick I needed. I went and registered for a six week photography workshop. Included is about 80% of what I need to know to get started. Granted, photographers, like any other profession will be constantly learning, I simply mean the skills I need to get myself going. I absorb every bit of knowledge I can find already, on my own. I just love learning from those in the field. There is no better knowledge then from those with experience.

To say I'm excited for the start date is an understatement. I feel like the old cliche was right; Here's to the first day of the rest of my life.

I will have what I want. No matter what obstacles present themselves to me I now have the confidence in myself, the perseverance to know I will succeed. I will be a photographer. I not only have confidence in myself, but my talent. I just need the knowledge I currently don't possess in order to refine my skills.

'Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.' - Marie Curie

-T-