If You Knew You Wouldn’t Fail, What Would You DO?
What dream would you pull out of the closet? Off the shelf? Would you take that chance? You know, the one you’ve been quietly dreaming about. If you weren’t afraid of failing…of knocking hard against the ground, of what people might think…or say, what would you do?
That’s the question being posed by Jessica over at Reflections of a Princess. She is not only encouraging us to go after our dreams, but to share them with each other. She has created a place for ‘Sharing Dreams in Community’ where we can set aside (or at least share) our fears, go after our dreams, and support others in reaching for their own dreams. I think that is pretty cool.
So, what would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail? This:
Practicing my photography skills...
I have loved taking photos ever since being “forced” to take a beginner photography class in Jr. High. I wanted to take Spanish, algebra, AND band, but a scheduling conflict forced me to choose photography instead. I know, the level of nerd/dorkiness in that statement is staggering. But that’s me. :) Anyhow, that photography class turned out to be probably my favorite class of all time, and that’s saying something coming from a girl who LOVED school.
I was turned loose on campus with a 35mm camera and given the freedom to take all kinds of interesting photos. I missed the first couple of days where they taught us the basics, so I pretty much just winged it. But I had a blast. I loved every minute of it. And part of me has always wanted to do something more with that. Oh, I’ve still been snapping away taking pictures all the time, sharing with family, filing up scrapbooks, but I would love to do something MORE.
And now I am. My sweet friend over at SomeGirlsWebsite is hosting a series about how to get accepted as an iStock.com contributer. I’m following along, practicing skills, doing my ‘homework’ and I’m going to make that happen. I brought it up to my husband about a month ago, and got instant support. I was all prepped and ready to have to convince him, but didn’t need to. He’s all for it. I’ve even got a job this week working as a photographer’s assistant…to someone who is very successful on iStock. I’m so excited to learn more from watching someone who knows what he’s doing in action.
I’ve been waiting and wondering what would fill my time once both of my boys are in school full time in the fall, and now God has opened this door for me. And I’m not going to waste the opportunity.
What about you?
What would YOU do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Check out what others are saying over at the linky here.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I just love this and love that you are feeling so happy about photography.
Thanks, friend! I love that I always have your support.
Wow! That photo looks SO good!! You’re going to do well at this!!
Thanks to your teaching!
Your photo looks amazing!! Go for it!!
Thank you. That made my day.
Your photos are always great! Glad to hear you are going for it!
Thank you! Maybe someday I’ll be heading out your way to do my own photo shoot!
That’s awesome that you’re out there pursuing it and learning more! Keep it up.
Thanks! And thanks for putting together this whole community of encouragement. I owe you a hug at Relevant11….
I love that your assisting! That’s awesome. You’ll learn a lot. I’m so excited for you!
It was fun. The flashes and lighting boggle the mind! I am in awe of what you do!
Shell you are an inspiration. I finally submitted a short story I have been sitting on for a long time. Follow those dreams!
Hey, that’s awesome! Good for you. I love hearing that you’re writing and being brave too!
What you’re doing with Michelle’s photography instruction is awesome! I love the idea of being a photographer’s assistant. And I love the way you’re going after your dream. The photo looks stunning!
That photo is so gorgeous! I just want to reach out and touch those vibrant petals!
Sometimes we need to fail to learn, but I definitely have a fear of failure. What a neat concept! I’ve joined (and co-founded) the 3in30 Challenge this year to help me realize goals I might otherwise avoid. Having the encouragement and accountability of others has helped me get over my fear of failure!
That is one of my favorite quotes!! “We also ask ourselves the question: What would you do if money wasn’t an object?” We often find that whatever the answer is really doesn’t have much to do with money anyway or can still be done in a more frugal way.
Congrats on following your Photography dream!! By the way, Photography has been a dream of mine, too. I’m also taking Michelle’s course and am in the process of being accepted as well!
Betsy,
That is a great quote, and so true about the money, it often isn’t the biggest obstacle, is it?
I love knowing that you’re doing the photography thing with us. Knowing that just makes it that much more fun! Good luck with all of the ‘homework’ and the getting accepted process!
Hey Shell!
How are you? Love the new website!!
I’m finally (sort of) settled in London and can start tackling some hobbies (like blogging) again. I think I’d probably also go for photography if I knew I couldn’t fail. So glad God has opened this door for you! It’s an exciting adventure and it’s so important to do things that bring us joy.