"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers."
Have you ever felt so inspired by some (thing) (one) that suddenly you feel less worthy?
I have. Sometimes I have to leave my Google Reader closed because I'm too exhausted to desire the inspiration. To do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes I feel left behind, like I'm watching this amazing party bus just drive past me -- watching laughing faces from the windows.
But this is the section that I loved about that quote... "we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers."
We have to use our discomfort and our fear to propel us. This means.. do something.
How? Well first, ask yourself: What am I really good at?
Sit down and truly dig deep to find something you feel very confident about. Are you an absolute natural in front of kids? Amazingly consistent? Have great understanding of composition/geometry/color? Using props? Making people feel comfortable? Telling stories? Unshakable faith in God?
Pick one. Now, hold on to it.
Because we can-not-do-everything-that-everyone-else-is-doing.
I am so guilty of this. Let those that are amazing at prop photography be amazing at that. Allow those who are incredible at web design be what they are. Because in the end, anyone can have photoshop or a baby cocoon -- but they don't have you. So if we continue to waste time buying resources to make us into others, we will hardly amount to be the greatness that we can be. Strengthen who YOU are. In other words, focus on your strength -- that one that you know is truly YOU -- then challenge that trait to grow.
These photos are my testimony. I eliminated clothe-styling, a location, and props. I took a moment of feeling unfulfilled and tested my story-telling ability. And I cannot wait to share the results.
Thank you party bus for leaving me behind sometimes.
Awwww.... so true and heart felt... Made me cry as ALWAYS... Made me look into myself (literally hehe) but also... It inspired me... Thanks Ale for your wonderful heart and sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteMy favorites of yours to date.
ReplyDeleteI feel this way probably everyday. This is a great post, and it's important to remember that God gave us our individual gifts and we are supposed to be unique (different?) because He has made us this way!:)
ReplyDeleteThese are honestly some of my favourite images of yours, and has totally inspired me to drop everything that I'm not good at, and to focus on my strengths! I needed that today :) Thank you
ReplyDeleteI am definitely so blessed that I have you to spur me on - Thank you for being vulnerable for us and letting us walk with you as you've grown over the past two years :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words and amazing photos!
Fantastic insight. :)
ReplyDeleteI struggle with this ALL THE TIME.
I'm a software engineer during the day and a photographer the other hours.
I STRUGGLE against myself all the time, with my desire to pursue the career that's so important to me while pursuing this craft that I can't stop emanating from my soul and trying to do justice to both.
Sometimes I feel like I'm at a BUS STOP missing EVERY BUS.
But you know... one step at a time... It's nice to know that even amazingly talented photographers like you need to stop for a moment and refocus. Refocus on ourselves... something that's difficult for people who're so used to looking for beauty outside of us.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you guys for allowing me to be vulnerable with y'all :)
ReplyDeleteLucy -- thank you! They are definitely some of my favorites as well. Funny how things happen that way when you least expect them. It's always great to challenge ourselves, but if we don't solidify our *particular* strengths -- it's hard to get up when we hit those bottom moments. We have to give ourselves permission to NOT be good at many things. Simplify and strengthen :)
Sunira -- so good to hear your thoughts! That bus comment cracked me up, but yes -- I definitely relate! I can't imagine how torn you must feel to juggle these different crafts.
I agree that as artists, we become so inspired -- so hungry -- but that can paralyze us too. Overwhelm us. You said it perfectly though -- one step at a time. The key is to refocus! Then refine. And then mess up again ;)
First of all...I know this is like 6 months after you posted it but....Wow! Ale I don't know you and may never know you personally, but You have just blown me away. I randomly came across you're blog, and have been looking through it for hours:) I'm a new photographer starting out in the West Side of Phoenix and feeling exactly what you've described. I have just started and have so far to go, and some days its just overwhelming. It's so nice to see your words of encouragement and your process of growth as an individual pursing what you love...inspiring! Thank you for your uplifting words and beautiful personality that shines through your work. I will definitely be following your work from now on!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Caitlin Turner