How many times do we put limits on our ability to dream? Do you tell yourself things like, "That will never happen," or "I'll would never be able to do that," or "That's just a crazy idea," or "I'll never be able to afford..."? The list of negative or impossibles could go on. I know I sure do. At least I used to tell myself those things a lot more than I do now. I think the first step towards making your dreams come true is allowing yourself the freedom to dream in the first place.
I was able live out one of my dreams last month and it only happened because I allowed myself to dream. I didn't shut it down or turn it away. I spoke into the universe (or in this case to my husband). I told him that I wanted to travel to Hawaii, to attend a workshop, hosted by the amazing Stormy Solis. The stars literally aligned and I got signed up just at the right moment because the spots that were available went fast. I also managed to snag one of the cheapest airfares I've seen to Hawaii shortly after booking.
So first off, to me Hawaii is one of these far away magical place that is almost like a fantasy to me. A place that you say you would love to visit someday but it just never happens. I think we all have a list of places like that. Mine also include Iceland, Greece and Ireland. My husband and I have done a little traveling together outside the US, but these places still seem almost out of reach. While Hawaii will still always be a magical fantasy place to me...it now feels less far away and more within reach. So much more within reach that I definitely plan to go back, next time with my family and for a longer period of time.
Second, I never even thought I would ever take trip like this on my own. I mean, I'm a mom. I'm a wife. I've never traveled farther than an hour and a half west to visit some friends and family. How could I spend this kind of money on myself? It seems so selfish. I had forgetten that once, I used to just be me, Maranda. And guess...I kind of think I'm worth it. Not in a caulky kind of way, but in a way that we need remember that we are worthy of doing things for ourself that make us happy. Also, remembering that it doesn't make us selfish to want to do things for ourselves and sometimes it's even necessary for us to be better for those we love. I may not give myself a paycheck each month, but I work hard at what I do. I love what I do and try to pour my heart into my work.
Third, I needed this trip. I needed it for my soul. I needed that feeling of empowerment. That feeling of "I just did this thing! And not only did I just do this thing, I did it on my own!" I can't even begin to describe how much this trip has filled me up. It's been pretty incredible. The last couple years I've found myself in a weird mental space and I've had to work pretty hard to find my way back. I battled anxiety and maybe even borderline depression. I spent most of last year fighting my way through that. I started therapy and eventually added some medication. I even challenged myself to be more vulnerable with sharing more of that side of myself, rather than pretending I was doing okay or had my life all together. I could not think of a better way to start off my 2018.
There is something else that came from this dream coming true. I created images that I had only ever hoped to someday be able to make. I look at these and I am just overwhelmed by so many emotions. The feelings of wonder, joy and excitement that come with expecting another child. Spending time laughing and dancing with your loved ones and just holding on for dear life after experiencing a pretty traumatic life scare. I feel a sense of adventure, playfulness and strength that came from my time with a mama and her boys. And then there is love, comfort and peace. It was pretty overwhelming once their galleries were all put together and ready to send to them. I had a whole other dream come to life from this trip!
One of the things we learn as photographers is to always pay attention to the light. Photography if broken down into the prefix "photo" and suffix "graphy" in many languages translates to; to write, draw or the field of study of light. We use the light that we see to create and image and to capture that. All 4 of these sessions may have had incredible natural light to work with, but I feel more than anything, it was the light that came from within these people that we worked with and captured that weekend. That to me is one of the most important lights in the world and something we should all look to see.
The thing I'm learning about dreams, is that there are no limits to what we can dream up. Yes, there are certain realities that we may need to face. We have to learn to keep our feet on the ground. There may need to be sacrifices made and to make those dreams a reality it requires work. Hard work. It may also takes time. A lot times things don't happen over night. Often it will require coming up with plan, putting it to action, being patience, and even saving up. The hard work, the patience, and the sacrifices are usually so worth it.
Another thing that I'm learning about dreams, is that once one dream comes true, you start to dream more. And when your dreams do come true, take the time to honor and appreciate it. Maybe even let yourself shed a few tears of happiness and be damn proud of what you have accomplished!
