“The journey is never-ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.
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The approaching year's end prompts reflection, leading to contemplation on the challenges of the past year. It wasn't a smooth ride—calendar sales slumped, mentorship and speaking opportunities faded away. Self-reflection ensued, pondering over what went wrong, and where the missteps occurred. Yet, placing blame on any single factor or individual seems futile.
In retrospect, the difficulties of the year unfolded. After summer commenced, a lack of motivation set in, halting my creative endeavors. Engrossed in catering to others, self-care faded away, leaving me exhausted and drained. The constant barrage of messages and encounters drained my energy, adding to the mounting stress. Financial worries compounded, stemming from efforts that seemingly didn't yield returns. There was hope in helping others, yet, it led to exploitation by a few, leaving a significant impact.
Slowly, the process of recovery began. The onset of 2024 is akin to a blank canvas, offering an opportunity to tackle these issues differently. It sparked contemplation—how to steer this course towards a brighter direction? The world around us has undergone vast changes since 2020, enveloped in uncertainty and financial constraints. Seeking direction and support, I sought guidance, but the response reflected a changed landscape. "Commercial photography over education," they said, adding to the pondering on the path ahead.
The thought of abandoning everything loomed, yet, the realization struck—people depend on me in various ways. It isn't the time to give up. The uncertainty of the unknown can be intimidating, but within it lies motivation—a canvas for endless possibilities. Despite ideas that came and went, some tested and discarded, the answer often wasn't what I desired. Why invest time, money, and effort into something yielding unfruitful results?
However, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon: classes! Finally, after a long wait, offering classes became a reality. It's a commitment not to cancel classes for lack of enrollment, aiming to keep them affordable. The journey has been challenging, but the effort invested is immense.
A leap into the unknown comes in the form of workshops—big and bold. A day-long workshop, situated away, aims to be an enriching experience. It's more than just a workshop; it's a platform for skill growth and networking among like-minded individuals.
Reflecting on over a year of Facebook and YouTube lives brings immense gratitude. The goal for the new year? To expand the live event attendance!
A newfound focus on blogging surfaces—a monthly endeavor for inspirational and technique-based content, marking a new chapter.
Mentoring remains a cornerstone, providing stability amidst these ventures. There are plans for more accessible online options soon.
These ventures hold immense importance. For those wondering how to support, attending classes, and workshops, or even engaging sporadically can make a significant difference. Financial assistance is appreciated but not the sole means of support.
Sharing content, attending lives or meetups—each act becomes a morale boost, transforming the static into a dynamic engagement.
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As this blog post concludes, a poignant quote resonates: "Nothing worth having comes easy." Amidst adversity in photography, growth remains inevitable. Entering the new year, the goal remains clear—do what's right, live in the present, and trust that hard work will yield its rewards.