“It’s not about following passion; it’s about following purpose passionately. Passion is a manner of traveling, not a means to determine a destination. Passion is the spark that lights the fire; purpose is the kindling that keeps it burning all night.”
Brianna Weist, “101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think”
When you think back to childhood, what were the things that you were drawn to for fun? Ever since I was a small child, I’ve loved cameras, picking up developed rolls of film at Wal-Mart when I could hardly see over the counter, creating albums and scrapbooks, and looking through my mom’s collection of photo books. It all started with me watching her and my grandmother constantly clicking away at family events and later in childhood I’d be mesmerized by parents at school events with their fancy zoom lenses.
In the mid-’80s, and I got my hands on my very first camera, a pink 110. My family and friends became my first subjects as I tried my best to take pictures that matched the quality of my mom’s that filled our family albums.
In the late 90’s, graduation day rolled around, and in the most awesome way my dad gifted me a Nikon SLR.
That first “real” camera became my sidekick, and with just that and a kit lens, I was on a mission to turn my photography passion into a business. I went on to major in graphic design to fund this dream of mine.
I dove headfirst into the creative career world, working day in and day out, shooting and editing after working an 8 hour day as a graphic designer (plus a 2 hour round trip commute). I had lots of energy then, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were times when my skills fell short of my vision, and frustration would creep in. Yet, my love for photography kept me pushing through knowing this creative outlet was what I was made for.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9
Then came the game-changer. After hours and hours of practice, mimicking pics from magazines, and soaking up advice from mentors, something clicked. My style emerged, and suddenly, my skills matched up with what I envisioned. I was living the life I had always dreamed.
But here’s the neat part: that newfound confidence spilled over into regular life. I took on new creative challenges, faced fears (like public speaking), and guess what? Turns out there’s some science behind it, (thanks to Andrew Huberman’s research , 46 minute mark). Stepping out of your comfort zone, doing stuff you’re not crazy about but you know is good for you—apparently, it makes your brain grow (Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex).
This whole experience of dreaming and working towards bringing it to fruition taught me a life lesson: whatever you consistently do, you’ll get better at it. Those things that scare you? Develop a plan and tackle them one at a time. Dreams that feel too big? Go after them. It’s like a brain workout routine, and before you know it, it’s a lifestyle.
So, why am I sharing all this? Because it’s never too late to become who you want to be. Maybe it’s capturing the bright side of life through your iphone camera to combat anxiety, maybe it’s framing your own work to adorn your walls, or maybe it’s having others appreciate what you create enough to pay you for it and hang it in their home. I’m here to cheer you on, whether it’s in photography or wherever your heart’s nudging you.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV
Our brains are wired to keep learning, and it feels pretty awesome to keep leveling up as you grow older (☺️we don’t just have to do crosswords anymore). So, here’s to embracing whatever you want to accomplish this year, and staying forever young at heart in the process! 📸✨
Creatively,
Emily
Create Everyday 
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