It has been said that you become what you think about all the time, so keep thinking and keep dreaming. Life is messy and can create long moments of meaningless day to day routines. We get stuck in a rut so to speak. At times we begin to think about the things we use to dream about, and think about, and wonder what happened. How did I get here? Life does not seem to be turning out as I had thought it would. These are the times when you need to jump out and just do something wild, without thinking about it. That means don’t think too much about it, just do it, or you find 10 reasons why not too, and then you have lost the magic.
That is what happen to me about six years ago, and how I now find myself on the most amazing journey in life. I had just left a very long relationship that, like most, whether it is a job, a relationship or the like, I should have left sooner than I did. A friend mentioned to me that I should do something I had always wanted to do. I had been hiking with the Sierra club quite a bit and this same friend mentioned that the Sierra Club lead great trips and I should check it out. I thought why not, so to google I went. Within minutes I found a trip to Africa, a place I have dreamt about since I was a child. It looked amazing, so I pulled out the ATM card, made a deposit, and in 8 months I touched down on it’s rich red soil, falling in love and starting a new love affair with Africa and Photography.
Now prior to this moment, I had never held a real camera in my hands. I had received a list of what to bring and under recommended was a 300mm lens. I knew I would want to take incredible photographs so I marched down to my local photography store, Tuttle Cameras, went up to the counter and said I need a 300mm lens, What’s that? No kidding. The guy behind the counter asked what camera I was familiar with…. blank stare…. dear in the headlights. He went through the list and I said “cannon sounds familiar”. Could that have been because I had used cannon copier’s in the office I worked in? I hired him to teach me how to turn it on and use it, so to speak, and off I went.
I returned to Africa two more times in the next five months and have found a passion that fills my soul in ways I could never image. More than a photograph is the experiences I have had over these past 6 years. The camera has become a tool to seek out and experience this amazing planet we live on. The path of a photographer, as the path of all artists, is a challenging one, but one that continues to fill my soul. So I encourage you to do a quick search on a topic that has always intrigued you and react to what you find. It just may lead you in a new direction and put you on a new destiny. Life is short and at the end of this journey I want you to be able to say “I thoroughly enjoyed it all, the good and the bad.” What stories do you want to share in the rocking chair?
As always, comments are open and I hope you will share your thoughts.
Excellent post, Piper, and I couldn’t agree more. This past month I have lost a best friend and a cousin to early death. You are right…. “life is short..” Great post and great reminder. Thanks for sharing part of your journey. Look forward to following and reading more.
Thanks Thomas, I started this blog just before I took a big risk this past Sept. , you can read about it here http://bit.ly/eJ5vuo, a risk that was so scary, but when weighing regrets, I had to say, what would I regret more when coming to the end of this journey… staying safe or wondering what would my life experience had been if I had taken the risk… It did not work out as I had hoped, but I have no regrets…. jump out and take the risk.
Hi Piper,
Great post. What you have said in this post absolutely resonate with my outlook of life … it is short and at the end of it, I don’t want to feel bad about not having done something that I really wanted to do. That apart, your photographs are very inspiring. Wish you a great journey ahead. Thanks for sharing.
Inspiring post Piper, living proof that that everything is within reach should we just extend a hand to grasp it!. Great to finally see some images of the master normally hidden behind the lens 😉
Thanks Piper. I love seeing Africa through your eyes and sharing in your adventure.
Piper, your words here are uplifting and encouraging to all who read them! Thank you for being you, for sharing your experience and thoughts, along with your pictures. We need more of this positive view of the world vs. the negative images. As my good friend Dewitt Jones says “Celebrate what’s right with the world!”
Another inspirational post….thanks!
You truly are doing what you are ment to do on this world, and you are making it a better place by doing it!
Great article, I can see the passion come through in your words. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! So happy for you. You put it well when you say we become what we think about. Self fulfilling prophecy. Passion has always driven me in life. I always told my son to do what he loves and the rest will work itself out.
Thank you everyone. You know you are on the right path when you find a passion so deep you just cannot imagine doing anything else. One that is driven by excitement, nerves, crazy idea’s and gives you the courage to take amazing risk and a passion that keeps you going when you feel utterly defeated. Through the lens I have seen and explored so many amazing things, I am truly blessed. I wish you all the best on your own journeys. I will continue to share mine, good and bad, to help inspire you when the road becomes a little bumpy, don’t give up, scream, shout, or cry, but push on, as it is all so worth it!
Piper, My Passion has always been since 1994 was to reach out to the community and that’s actually what I am doing in my late age of 48-but I am enjoying it passionately.
Thank you for letting me share and Your passion is tangible..
🙂
Thanks for sharing Piper. I needed the reminder…
I very much enjoyed your post. That photo of the giraffe before an orange sky is amazing, and your words are inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Great story and inspiration Piper! May your dreams continue to come true!
Awesome story. What an experience to share.
Lovely images. I envy you.
Piper, This story is extremely inspirational! Thanks…. <3 Janine