Category: life

LAST NIGHT A LIGHTBULB MOMENT SMACKED ME IN THE FACE

In 2006 I picked up a digital camera and began to document the summer camps our non-profit was leading. Kids were having an amazing, life-giving experience – and photographs helped capture that impact.

Less than two years later, we moved to Nashville where I focused 100% on photography at my day job, along with other creative opportunities outside of work.

And that was my world for almost 10 years.

But now, when I reflect back on first picking up the camera to document at the non-profit, the photographs were the means – not the end.

The photos:

  • Provided imagery for our future summer camp marketing and content needs
  • Eased parent’s worries because we posted the photos daily on a public photo account (on Flickr) so they could see all the fun things their kids were doing
  • Created visual mementos for counselors, staff and especially the kids
  • Connected us more deeply to our donors when we packaged up the photos from kids and counselors into a coffee table book as a way to demonstrate our collective impact and to say “thank you” for their gifts of time, talents, and money

The photos were important, of course.

But it was really the creativity to figure out WHERE and HOW to use them in unique, memorable ways to help us better engage and connect with our key audiences…

THAT was the x-factor – and my superpower.

Sometimes a lightbulb moment smacks you in the face.

I’m just thankful for continued and unfolding awareness of how my skills, strengths, and experiences have come together to make a deep impact.

“Be bold. Be obsessed. Be passionate. So much beauty to be absorbed. Experiences to be embraced. Soul to be expressed. Show up in the world, and keep showing up. Let yourself get high off of life. Surrender to your senses. There’s nothing to worry about. You’ll be more than fine”

THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE IS CHANGE

Scenarios. Environments. People. Relationships. Opportunities. Needs. Wants. Abilities. Desires. Weather. Challenges. Frustrations. Successes. Stumbles. Failures. Pains.

What you have today will not be here tomorrow.
But, you don’t know what thing(s) will change tomorrow – or, how drastically.

And wishing they won’t change is wasted energy and a losing battle.

Be thankful for everything today.
Put everything in an open hand.
And, be ready for anything to change tomorrow.

Take a deep breath.
You’ve made it thru all of the changes up to today.
And tomorrow will be no different.

OFFER A MAP

As I was entering a favorite establishment of mine recently, I noticed a mother and her adult son standing just inside the doorway with a puzzled look on their face.

I sensed that this was their first time here.

And when I asked them if this was true, they said yes.

I introduced myself and told them that I would take care of them — that I would lead them to where they needed to be so they could have a great experience.

Our mini-tour only lasted a minute.

As our micro friendship concluded, I could tell they were relieved. Instead of confusion and fear on their face, they both warmly smiled and said, “thank you.”

To those who appear lost, offer a map with a friendly smile.

TODAY, I WANTED TO QUIT

I was tired, my head was pounding and I just wanted more sleep.

And I almost threw in the towel. Not quitting forever, but on the remaining hours of my day.

I wanted to literally quit today.

To make matters worse, my to-do list was long. Now I was doubly frustrated — not only would I be wasting a day, I would need to readjust my schedule for the upcoming week to make up for my lack of productivity.

Instead of quitting, I convinced myself to do two things:

First, I acknowledged that I didn’t feel great; that things aren’t always going to be amazing or even alright. Some days will feel blah. And that’s fine.

Second, I decided to not let blah ruin my day and I gave myself permission to operate at half speed. There were four things on my morning to-do list and I was content if I only completed two of those items.

I took a deep breath, acknowledged my pain and got to work.

Over the course of my blah morning, I finished all four items on my to-do list! I couldn’t believe it — despite my headache, lack of energy and a piss-poor attitude, I was able to stay focused and achieve my goals for the morning.

And I can’t wait to try it again soon to see how to improve the process.

THE GIFT OF FRUSTRATION

What is frustrating you right now? What do you wish would change?

What really hurts?

Frustration is often a reminder that where we are isn’t where we want to be; that we long for a better future for ourselves, our family, our organization, etc.

People often experience frustration about their weight, lack of energy, failed relationships, boring job, lack of knowledge about a topic, etc.

“Never forget: this very moment, we can change our lives.” — Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

No one loves change, but if you are frustrated enough and have had enough, change (or: doing something different) is the only way to move forward.

If you decide to change today for a better future, you are giving FutureYou a gift:

  • The gift of better health
  • The gift of less debt
  • The gift of a better attitude
  • The gift of a deeper friendship
  • The gift of new wisdom

What a beautiful opportunity for self-love: taking care of your future self.

Every decision you make, every behavior you encourage, every thought you cultivate has the opportunity to be a gift to FutureYou. That’s pretty awesome.

If your frustration is overflowing and it’s time to do something different… ask yourself these few questions:

  • What am I frustrated about?
  • Where am I right now?
  • Where do I want to be?
  • Why does pursuing this change matter to me?
  • What factors are within my control?
  • What should I do first?