Quite the title of a blog post but it’s been a while since I posted and figured I’d come back with a bit of an explanation of why I’ve been away.
You’re so lucky!
I get a lot of messages on all my social media accounts as well as via email from incredibly nice people who tell me how lucky I am to be “Living the Life!”. My gut reaction is always to say that luck has nothing to do with it. Something else that always comes into my mind is the fact that I’m not living THE life, I’m living MY life. This life I lead may appear to be all fun and games, full of travels, and awesome experiences but the reality is far different.
Yes, my life has it’s moments where all those things are 100% true but I spend most of my time sitting in front of a computer writing and reading emails, crafting pitches, working the social media accounts, writing articles for other sites, writing blog posts(not so much lately), Skype and phone calls, and trying to run a couple of small businesses.
Every day I have the intention to get so much crossed off of my to do list and yet rarely am I able to get more than a fraction of that done. While it all seems possible at the beginning of the day, most days include so many interruptions and tangents that it truly is impossible to meet my own expectations. As for the travels and awesome experiences? I haven’t traveled in months and have been stuck here in Montreal during the worst winter that I can remember in terms of cold and snow.
I’m not looking for sympathy. In fact I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that I’m just bitching and whining about a pretty good life. You may even be right if you were to think that. It’s just frustrating to not be out there doing what I love including taking photographs, editing them, and sharing my travels here on the blog and on social media. Time is the real enemy, or perhaps a better way of putting it is to say that time is the most precious of all commodities. You can’t buy more of it, you can’t trade for it, and you can’t make more of it no matter what ingredients you have. So my goal now is to find more balance. I need to find ways to be able to do just a little bit more of the things I love because to be honest lately I’ve lost a lot of the passion that I have for what I do, considering the fact that I’m not shooting nearly as much as I’d like and that’s not a good thing for creativity.
Anyone who follows me on Facebook knows that I post a lot of inspirational quotes and sayings. I always tell people that I post them for me as a constant reminder of how I want my life to be and what my outlook should be like. I need it especially when plans fall apart and negative things prevent me from getting getting work done. Like so many other people, I seem to be so busy with things that really in the long run are not that important.
Note to self: Keep priorities in check!!
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
~Socrates
I promised myself that I’d be posting to the blog far more often starting in 2014 but it just hasn’t been possible. I really haven’t been inspired to do much writing lately but I think that things are looking up. When I take a good strong look at what I am up to, I should be very happy with the way things are going. I’ve also been busy with some good and positive things.
I’m currently redesigning the blog and so far everything is looking absolutely awesome thanks to my designer Nikola and code ninja Chris. I’m also completely redoing my portfolio website with one of the brand-new awesome Beam themes from PhotoShelter. (ED: Blog & Website redesign completed summer 2014) I’m working on several soon to be announced photo tours as well as the Italy and Iceland ones I have in the books for spring and summer. I’m heading to Japan today, just in time for Cherry Blossom Sakura season and for meetings at Fujifilm head office to discuss the awesome X-Series of cameras and lenses. I’m planning a few scouting trips for future photography tours. I’ve been doing some writing for a project I can’t talk about just yet an have done a few new interviews as well.
The travel schedule I’m about to undertake beginning today is kind of overwhelming. Japan, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, England, and California is just the beginning. It’s going to be a wild ride. Good thing I’m working with awesome people who make the travel fun and somewhat sane.
Trying to keep it all together and still find time to share things on the blog is a challenge but I’m going to do my best to make sure that I keep sharing as much as I can. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this beautifully inspirational cartoon from Gavin Aung at Zen Pencils. I’m sure that you’ll love his work as much as I do. I often re-read this cartoon to get some encouragement about what I’m doing and what I’m trying to do. Thanks Gavin, it really hits the spot. Thanks also to Bill Watterson (author of the wonderful cartoon strip Calvin & Hobbes) for the text.
I’ll be back with some new photos soon… Promise!
Creating a life that reflects your values
Originally posted on Zen Pencils
Kind thanks to Gavin for permission to repost.
I struggle with time as well. I see it slip away every day, much of the time because of my own aloofness or distraction. I never have enough time a location. I just did a RTW trip…6 countries in 6 days that only illustrated to me how I tend to run from place to place…how pervasive my impatience and how it does nothing to serve the work. I can only keep going, keep working, keep trying to get to wherever it is I am headed. Sometimes I think during the moments of frustration or doubt…it’s all we can do.
I tend to love quotes myself…I don’s share as many as you, but this one has deep meaning for me whether people tell me I am lucky or brave or stupid or crazy. I just don’t know yet if it refers more to them or me.
“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I understand completely what you’re saying! I hear this all the time and get so many e-mails about how adventurous and lucky I am. I wish people weren’t so afraid to persue their dreams. Anything is possible :)
When I was a secretary to the MDs, I learned how to ‘screening’ appointments and phone calls before I passed to them. When I received phone calls which they didn’t want to answer for some reasons, I would tell the callers they were having meeting, if anything important please leave a message which I put on a message pad. NOTHING left on my trays at the end of the day. I organised the MD’s messy office life style. I called myself ‘Supersecretary’, LOL
I can see where your coming from, thanks for sharing your perspective :)
Ah Ken, I know where you are coming from my friend. It is a constant struggle lately to find the time to do anything creative or productive that is for me and not for clients. Enjoy Japan, as I am sure you will and let it be the renewal for your creative soul. Until SF. :)
Great write up. I cant wait to read all about your crazy adventures in your coming trip. Good luck and safe travels. Take lots of pics, we also need some inspiration :)
Nicely done Ken and glad things are moving forward. Love the Socrates quote BTW, and this post reminds me of one of my faves, from WJ Davison:
The life that conquers is the life that moves with a steady resolution and persistence toward a predetermined goal. Those who succeed are those who have thoroughly learned the immense importance of plan in life, and the tragic brevity of time.
Best, Jim
I love this Bill Watterson cartoon. What an incredibly important thing to remind ourselves every day. My husband and I are in major transition right now, trying to decide the right next step and it’s so great for us to focus on what we really want out of life and not what our titles and salaries are!
WBD, Many of us face the same demons and find it challenging to keep plugging away. Without the challenges it would not be nearly as rewarding though, right? At least I’ll keep telling myself that until I find the balance I seek.
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Michelle, You can do anything… Just not everything. Kepp the dream alive :)
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Tracy, So far so good here in the land of the rising sun. Feels good to be back shooting and exploring!
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Thanks Edin, Not sure how crazy the adventures will be but they are always rewarding.
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Jim, Ahhh yes… Love that: “The tragic brevity of time”
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Erin, the cartoon is not by Watterson but by Gavin Aung. The text in the cartoon is by Bill Watterson. Hope the transition is smooth and that you find the balance you seek :)
Fantastic blog, and thanks for sharing the strip, so very relevant for us at the moment as we make big life changes to reflect what we see as important for us and our kids. Will refer to this in the future whenever I have one of those panics questioning what are we doing. And keep the amazing images coming…wow, just wow.
Great message. We all need reminders from time to time (or every day).
What a fantastic cartoon – echoes a lot of my own thoughts lately as I ponder a rethink. Hope you find the balance you’re looking for – and enjoy that upcoming whirlwind of travel.
You know what ? I sometimes apply that 80/20 management principle in my life. I focus on the 20% work priorities that brings in 80% of enjoyment and fulfillment.
Thank you for being back….I missed your beautiful photography
and blog.
I am also a collector of good quotes, scriptures, anything to lift the spirit and encourage others..I’m working on setting my photo’s and quotes into a book/booklet..
I’m looking forward to seeing and reading more of your busy life.
Blessings,
Geri
Brilliant Cartoon. I loved it.
Bill Watterson is one of my personal heroes … thanks for posting this comic :)
Great post and cartoon!
I am looking forward to seeing the new website and pictures from you next travels. But most of all I am looking forward to learning from you in Iceland. See you in September!