where can we find happiness?

Where can we find happiness?
Happiness is not found in a tranquil life free of storms and tempests.
Real happiness is found in the struggles we undergo to realize our goals,
in our efforts to move forward.

~ Daisaku Ikeda

what are you celebrating?

No matter how wonderful our dreams, how noble our ideals, or how high our hopes, ultimately we need courage to make them a reality.
Without action, it's as if they never existed. 

~ Daisaku Ikeda

I just revisited my very first post. In the post, I talk about all the "if only's" and "shouldawouldacoulda's" that were on my mind at the time and decided once and for all to do something about it. On my list of "if only's" was the idea of being a food photographer. I mention this because just this weekend I had my first paid gig as a food photographer. It wasn't until I looked back at my first blog post that I realized that I had set that intention for myself.

I've been thinking a lot about the concept of courage lately and how to navigate through the opportunities and obstacles that life presents with open arms even when what I really want to do is curl up in bed with my cat. I've been thinking a lot about the courage it takes to be a creative person and say THIS IS WHO I AM. This is what I DO. I've been thinking a lot about the courage it takes to identify what I want to do next on my creative career path and know that there is a lot to learn in order to reach my goals. I've been thinking about the courage it takes to take the step in front of me in spite of the fear of falling on my face - in spite of knowing that there are many more steps ahead of me. I've been thinking a lot about the courage it takes to ask for help. The courage it takes to set a price for my art. The courage it takes to enjoy the process when I'm anxious to know/see the results. The courage it takes to set boundaries, but not barriers. The courage to be confident. To be optimistic. To be lighthearted and hopeful.

The courage to dream big and then dive into the unknown and make those dreams come true.

And I have learned that it is all possible. The way to get there is different for everyone. But for me, I am learning that saying "yes" will open more doors than saying "maybe next time" or "I'm not ready yet" or "some day" or _____________ (fill in the blank.)

So while I'm digging deep to muster the courage to take the next step, I am also throwing a big 'ol celebration for getting this far in such a short amount of time!

Where have you been courageous lately? What step are you celebrating? It may feel like you've got a long way to go, but each and every step gets you that much closer to where you want to be. And that is worthy of a celebration!

I've hung the piñata and put on my favorite hot pink shoes (yes, I own hot pink shoes). So put on your party hat and share your baby steps here!