“Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow”
Norman Vincent Peale
The anniversary in which I spoke of in my last post is connected to my neck surgery. Saturday, Jan 31st marked two years since I had 3 discs removed from my neck. I can tell you that my healing is far from over because I continue to struggle with pain every single day. Luckily, some days are better than others. I know I don’t expose my daily issues with you on a regular basis, but I think that this passing is worth acknowledging.
After deciding that my anniversary wasn’t going to be spent focusing upon where I have been, but upon where I wanted to go, I needed to find some inspiration. Something that would propel me out of this funky-dunk I have been in. What better way to do so than to take steps in the direction of where I hope to be. I have been thinking a lot about my photography and who I am as a photographer. More importantly, I have been giving much thought to where I want it to take me.
So far, I’ve had some great things happen for me in terms of photography and believe me, I am eternally grateful, but I want to go beyond what I have become comfortable with. It’s easy to enter photos in a contest, but what about really putting yourself out there? That’s what I aim to do…..put myself out there! And what better place to start than in my very own community. It’s not that I haven’t given thought to it before, but back then I wasn’t fully equipped to follow through with such notions. But I’m ready now!
Cody and I spent Saturday galavanting around town visitng local galleries and shops. Galleries and shops where I could potentially sell my offerings. I mainly wanted to see what else was out there and whether or not I could compete. I determined that I could and that I would. Even though I wasn’t prepared to show them anything, we couldn’t resist talking to the owners/shopkeepers about how to go about doing so. We did, however, spend this weekend getting some things ready so I can return prepared. This is something that will benefit the both of us. Cody can make the frames and I can take the pictures! We are the perfect combo :o)
I don’t think that I have to tell you that I was beaming after such positive encounters, but it really did feel good to just do it! I should be more proactive in “putting myself out there” without fear of being rejected because it’s gonna happen no matter what. It’s better than not doing anything at all!!
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I really can’t thank you enough for the boundless encouragement and support this wonderful community creates. I truly feel lucky to have folks like you to share and draw inspiration from.
Thank you.
If you’re interested (links):