One year ago…
Last year, I wrote a post with the same title. It came after a road trip Kia and I took with our family. On the way to and from visiting my dad in Florida (from KC), we visited photographers from all over.
As we talked with these people the common thread we heard was CHANGE. Most everyone (photographer and non-photographer) was walking through some sort of change. Big and small. Massively consequential and of minor consequence. Everyone was experiencing change.
We weren’t alone.
Fast Forward 12 months.
Last month, Kia and I took another trip – this time to attend and speak at Imaging USA in Atlanta, Georgia. We had a great time! We spoke at a pre-conference class to over 40 photographers about the senior portrait world. We spent time with old friends. We made a ton of new friends. It was a blast!
For me, the best things we were able to do was listen. We listened to stories – your stories. We heard your fears and failures. We heard your excitement and triumphs. We heard where you are, where you’ve been and where you are going.
There again seems to be a common theme running through our lives. I have a hard time putting it into words, so the best way I can phrase it is with this word:
SQUEEZE
Dreams, hopes, fears, goals, plans, lives, businesses, families – these are all being squeezed. And let me tell you, it hurts. It’s painful. It’s not fun.
I’ll also tell you it’s okay. Truly, it will be alright. Here are 3 reasons why the squeeze you feel is okay.
1. Squeeze refines us.
The squeeze or crush you are experiencing will make you better.
It will make you better at your art. It will make you better in your relationships. It will make you better in your business. No matter where you end up, you will be better when the squeeze lets up.
2. Squeeze changes us.
When we are squeezed we can’t help but be changed. Hopefully the change will be for the better (refining) and not for the worse. No matter which way you go, squeeze will change you, and the reason we are being squeezed is because we absolutely need it.
3. You’re not alone.
People just like you, all over the country are experiencing the same thing as you. The best part of this squeeze is the result of the pain you feel. Hope.
It’s what I heard talking to those coming to the end of this tunnel. They see hope, joy and beauty. Oddly enough, it’s not a picture they even could dream of just months before.
Keep pushing. A breakthrough is near.
One of my favorite books and authors from the past couple of years is Do the Work by Steven Pressfield. I’ve quoted it here often. Pressfield challenges, encourages and dares us to push through the resistance we feel in our art.
The same can be said for what we experience in life. Keep pushing, your breakthrough is so close.
I promise.
You’re not alone.
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