Do You Fear What Others Think?

by | May 31, 2012 | Perspective, Stories & Expeditions | 1 comment

Clad in cargo pants, t-shirt and hiking boots–my camera pack securely strapped to my back, a tripod dangling from my waist–I was ready for whatever adventure lay before me! But I must say, I felt very much out of place standing there in line with the mob of vacationers waiting to disembark the cruise ship. And I suppose a jesting comment accompanied by a warm smile from a fellow passenger didn’t help much. 🙂

But never mind what other people think. To not do something simply for fear of what other’s think is not a good reason not to do it. I had a goal and a purpose for the way I was dressed the way I was, so why should I let fear deter me from it? This was the opportunity of a lifetime that I didn’t want to miss, and instead of wasting away the time in frivolous leisure and play, I was setting out to get some serious work done.

And once I was out on the beach, away from the crowds and immersed in creation, I was reassured of my purpose. What a pity it is that folks often don’t seem to appreciate the qualities of a good photo excursion (though, I must admit that the blisters, headaches, sore joints, “missing-out-on-all-the-fun”, starvation and a million other reasons . . . do point to a logical conclusion of why most folks do not). But what a beautiful sunset it was that evening! I suppose there may have been a few folks who saw it; the few who were in too much of a hurry to get home for dinner to appreciate it, or the few privileged millionaires staying in their luxury condos on the island who happened to look out the window at just the right moment (or be taking a jog along the beach?). But just how many folks actually experienced it? felt the wind in the face, the sand on the feet . . . and a camera at their fingertips?

1691_Canon EOS 40D, 21 mm, 1-125 sec at f - 9.0, ISO 100

I’ve been tempted more than once to forego the heavy backpack, the uncomfortable clothes, the heavy shoes, the strangling camera straps and the cumbersome accessories. But for the joy of seeing the results of my work (or is it play?) gives me enough strength me to endure the pain and learn not to make decisions based on what other people think!

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1 Comment

  1. Kendalyn

    Amen! This post was most encouraging. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

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