On Being Happy and Living the Dream

Musings

Sep 28

After a full summer away from the blog, I will never dismiss the importance of breaks for one’s motivation, their inspiration, their sanity even. The time away was definitely needed.

Today I want to talk about being happy and living the dream.

Like many things in life it’s a very subjective topic, so I only state how it applies to me and perhaps you can gleam a sense of perspective in your own life.

A few months ago, I was in Versailles surrounded by groups of jostling tourists all trying to take photos on their phones and the sheer splendor of the location (I consider the Palace of Versailles the most beautiful man made location on the planet) when I had an epiphany.

I’m living my dream. And I’m happy.

When I first set out to become a photographer I envisioned a career of cool projects, working with esteemed brands, shooting models, going to beautiful locations, working on the beach, meeting interesting people, traveling the world, and building something for myself that I could be proud of. I remember sitting in my humid, Florida apartment thinking all of that may be way too much to ask. Like it would never happen.

As I overlooked the garden of Versailles, I let my mind ruminate over the thought. Here I was in France, enjoying my weekend, doing a bit of sightseeing after a week of shoots in Paris. Then it dawned on me, you’re already there you idiot! You’re already living your dream! You did it. Be proud! All the setbacks. The failures. The doubts. The sacrifices. You endured all of it, you worked hard, and now look where you are!

Like the Grinch’s heart growing several sizes larger in the Dr. Seuss classic, I felt overwhelmed at this realization. The truth of it all. I am living my dream. I make my own schedule. I have clients. I make good money. I’m not rich, but money isn’t the only measure of success(nor should it be). I travel. I’m making connections with people the world over. And even people outside of the United States are appreciating my work. Last month, a model came all the way from Japan to shoot with me. Me?! Of all people! That’s both incredibly awesome and humbling.

As an artist I do feel like there’s several more levels to go before I consider myself truly great. A master if you will. I may be 60 when it happens, but for now I’m very happy to be doing work that motivates and excites me. And work that people seem to really connect with.

Routinely taking stock of your life, checking your progress at different points, can really put into perspective how far you’ve come. We tend to think of our dreams as far off destinations. Some unknown place far into the future. But you might be in the midst of it while you’re on your way and not even realize it. As they say, enjoy the journey. These may be the most memorable moments of your life. Appreciate them.

I can admit, it hasn’t always been enjoyable. Frustrating would probably be the most apt description. But you have to take the good with the bad. The two are intricately linked. The rainy days make you appreciate the sunny ones. I know this part sounds a bit vague and waffly, but I’m speaking honestly. It’s been a see-saw of a ride. You’re up some times and down others. But stay on, it gets better.

Now for the happy part of this post. Happiness can certainly be derived from accomplishment. You win a gold medal, hell yeah you’re happy. Get a big raise? Hell yeah! But for me, it’s knowing that I’m working on something meaningful. Something deeply personal that truly matters to me. Emphasis on “to me”. Work that becomes a part of who I am and what motivates me to get up in the morning. Something that connects to my soul on a spiritual level. It doesn’t matter what others think. Their opinions. Their judgements. Their lack of understanding. It’s most important that it matters “to me”. Having that sense of purpose feels like the wind beneath your wings. It may not make me rich, but it sure as hell makes me happy. And that’s something. Priceless even.

I hope you too find your purpose. That thing, place, or even person that brings you joy. Not everyone in life finds that. Understanding the rarity of it is what gets me emotional. All the people out there, chasing their dreams. Wanting some semblance of happiness in their short lives. I wish everyone the best in this beautiful madness we call life. These thoughts remind me of the plastic bag scene from American Beauty.