As New Year’s approaches, I can’t help but reflect back to 3 years ago
At the end of 2016, I had an email convo with a friend about their own photography skills. It reminded me of how I always wanted to learn. For the remainder of the year, I thought about ordering a DSLR and formally start learning more. I also thought a lot about my late father, who was an Army trained photographer.
I decided that I was going to make a real resolution for 2017–not the “new year, new me” blah blah stuff, but a REAL meaningful one—check learning photography off of my bucket list.
On Jan 1, 2017, I ordered my first DSLR camera. On that same day, I also signed-up for a Basic Photography class through the UL of Lafayette ‘s continuing education program.
The class didn’t start until Feb. So, while waiting for it, I started playing with my cam. I drove out to the Jungle Gardens in Avery Island and took the above shot. It was taken in automatic mode on a basic Canon Rebel T6. This is still one of my fave images and I had no idea of what I was doing. All I knew was that there was something magical and mystical about it and it captivated me.
I went on to finish the UL class. Afterwards, I started my studies with the New York Institute of Photography and graduated from their Professional Photography Course.
My original intentions were not to be a professional. So, I am still scratching my head trying to figure out how I ended up being one.
Here ‘s the thing that I’ve learned though. When you follow your heart and do what feeds your soul, you can never go wrong.
Photography has brought me a lot of joy and helped me to rediscover myself on many levels. This never would’ve happened, if I wouldn’t have finally stepped out my box and comfort zone.
Everyone has things that they want to do “one day”. Why do we always put that “one day” off? Life is too short and we never know what tomorrow may bring–or if it will ever come. That is something that was shown to me over and over again when I was a hospice nurse.
We allow ourselves to get “stuck in ruts”, get comfortable with being stagnant and/or put other people’s needs before ours. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be held back from negative energy from toxic people, places or things. Sometimes, we make excuses because we are scared. It’s not other people that suffer the consequences of this-it’s us because we sell ourselves short. God wants all of us to do what makes our hearts truly happy.
I challenge anyone reading this, to stop making excuses and rise above anything holding you back…and make that “one day” happen as your New Years Resolution like I did 3 years ago. You deserve happiness to.
You are never too old and it is never too late- just do it already 🙂
~Tiffany