08/04/2026
2026 was the year I plucked up the courage to stand in front of a camera. I spent years avoiding cameras. My mother had one photo of me as a teenager smiling, and she treasured it. I was a knucklehead when I was a young woman (no surprise there!) and for some reason I thought I shouldn't smile. I would like to point out the under development of my prefrontal cortex at that this point, although I believe it’s in good shape now. Now this year I was offered a professional photo shoot, and it was hard to refuse. Something in me changed.
I dared myself to step outside my comfort zone. And like so many things in life, once I let my guard down, I actually loved it. A newfound confidence showed up that I didn't expect. Now I smile at the camera, look forward to it, and honestly feel like a bit of a goofball, in the best way. I don't care if I look good or silly or whatever. Today I look ridiculous and more power to me! A lifetime of camera-shyness has melted away, simply because I was willing to expand my horizons.
We all have something we've been putting off because it feels uncomfortable: a conversation, a change, a dream we've talked ourselves out of. But remember: the discomfort is usually just the doorway.
Those of you who step outside the box and walk through the doorway, you become the creators, the inventors, the founders. You can be a changemaker too. Envision. Grow. Always believe in yourself.
Dare to dream. Dare to imagine. Then take that first small step. You might surprise yourself with how much you needed to and how good you feel about it.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu)
Oh, and I intend to keep smiling and chasing the joy of life every chance that I can.
Thank you to Mycah Bain Photography for opening the door to a beautiful new experience.
