Do You Know What You Want In Life? Like, really know?

There are few things in life anyone really knows for sure. But one of those things should be yourself. You should know who you are, what you believe in, who you can turn to, and most importantly... who and what you want to be.

The other day while I was driving to work, I had a serious moment where I just knew deep down that this was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I knew it wasn't who I really was, it was just something I went to school for and (unfortunately) had no true passion in. Going to college to be an administrative assistant was a no-brainer for me; I had already basically been doing that through middle and high school and my mom thought it was a good move because of how outgoing I am. I was stuck in that mindset and now I realize how upset with myself I am. Instead of looking at all the programs LCC offered, I chose the easy path.


While considering this on my drive that morning, I decided I can still make a change, it's not too late, it's never too late. My dad went back to LCC while working when he was in his 50s, being 23 I definitely have a jump on that. (and let me say I am very proud of my father for going back to school. Even if I didn't realize it at the time he has inspired me in so many ways. This simple blog being one of them, but more about Dad later!) This gave me an amazing sense of reality; I don't want life passing me by while I sit in an office cubicle doing paperwork and answering phones, I have more I can offer to the world, my family, and myself. I want to be able to have my passion as my job and also be able to stay at home with my kids, whenever I do have them. This was an important part of my childhood, as my mom was stay at home until I was 19, and I want it to be a part of my children's upbringing. I know I have the drive and there's no reason in the world why I shouldn't follow my dreams, people do it everyday. It will be scary at first but I know I can overcome, especially with  my family's support.

As yourself, what are my passions? My true passions in life are simple: being outdoors in nature enjoying the beauty and bounty Mother Earth brings, in the woods or on the beach, and when I take pictures of the beautiful trees, delicate flowers, roaring ocean and wild creatures, a spark lights inside me. I cannot ignore or stifle this flame, I have such joy when I see these beautiful images I can capture. What a life that would be, having the ability to be outside in nature, enjoying all these things, while taking pictures I can share with other people so they may enjoy the world the way I see it and have these images forever. I want to preserve the things I love the most in case they won't be around forever. I want my children and my children's children to enjoy the simple beauty in a raindrop or the spray of the ocean forever, since the world is ever changing and we don't know if this meadow or that forest will be here tomorrow. 

Having a photography business out of my home would allow me to do so much more with my talents and my life. Not only would I have an excuse to go out quite often and be able to spend time in a beautiful place while taking these amazing, changing pictures of life around me in all seasons. I do not want to be constrained to a building 40 hours a week, instead take that 40 hours and explore this beautiful state. And that's just scratching the surface! Oregon provides thousands upon thousands of beautiful places and opportunities to take pictures of scenery that most people will never be able to enjoy.


There are limitless opportunities in this world and I want to take my chance today.