At least two people this last week threw in the comment “Living the Dream!” when describing their life in a little quip, and it really got me thinking… What dream are they referring to?  Do they feel that it’s their own dream? Or that American Dream where you sacrifice and save now to someday retire in a golf community on the coastline?  These two were happy when they said it, but not everyone is…so I still ponder it a bit, are they being sincere or a bit (or outright) facetious?  Did they consciously choose it? Or are they just ‘livin’ it’?

The truth is that we’re all living the dream – it’s our own dream as it interacts with the collective dream of others in the world.  Does living my dream today include worry and fear for tomorrow and regrets and grudges held for yesterday?  As for that American Dream of sacrificing today to live for a far-off future retirement, it stopped making sense to me when I realized that I wasn’t happy with the today and that the picture painted of retirement didn’t appeal to me either.  I’d prefer to live today the same as if I were to die tomorrow or in 89 years (yep, I have high hopes!).  I haven’t figured it all out, but I am happy and so are my children.  And, yes, there’s uncertainty in my life, but isn’t there always?  Especially concerning the day that you are going to die?

I’ve experienced some turmoil and plenty of uncertainty, challenges, and tangents as I reexamine my life (honestly something I do every minute), but it’s been my willingness to accept this uncertainty and move towards my joy in each moment that has brought me more joy, and I can see glimpses of my dream unfolding before my eyes.  As I live this, I’ve chosen to give up some future security which does have my family worried.

So I replied: Mom, (I’m smiling) you can stop worrying about me.  I’m living my dream and it’s a joyful one.  I’ve found (and am finding) what I want to do in retirement, and I’m living it now, joyfully, as I step more confidently each and every day towards adding in more security for today and tomorrow, from a place of love and joy, (and I’ll note now…most importantly, not from a place of fear).

She smiled.  She believes me and has stopped worrying, for the moment, and that is enough.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.  ~Mahatma Gandhi

My emotions and thoughts have been all over – I’m moved to tears by the imagery and stories and a heart-wrenching emotion that’s almost too much… then as I separate myself from the other side of the world to stay collected while I live my own life here. I don’t want to do this, to feel separate and helpless, but I wonder what I can do, if there’s anything really that I can do.  Donate to relief efforts? Sure.  But it feels like there’s more, and I know there is.  I specifically studied this stuff in college – the probability of radiation exposure, toxicology, health and safety. In my first career at a foundry we put it into practice – how do we save lives, limbs, and the health of our workers? – I realized it was the little things that could make all the difference.  The morale boosters, the helping hand, the smile, the caring for our fellow human beings that brought a safer, happier, healthier workplace.  We felt it, and we even saw it in our safety record.

So, still how can I help now the people of Japan? The people everywhere worried about everything? Across the world, as one small person, what can I do?

I remember 9/11. Just like after 9/11, when the events were closer to home, do you remember the energy? The renewed feeling of connection to our families, loved ones, and even and almost especially to strangers?  In many ways, the east coast is no closer to me here in Arizona than the people in Japan.  The worry and feelings of despair, maybe fear, can be there and may even help spur people to action, but it’s really spurring them first to compassion.  It’s the love for our neighbors and ourselves that can be felt and sent to others, even across the world, by sending that energy and love to ourselves, our family, our neighbors, smiling at a stranger.

So, here’s to the little things…they really do matter.  It’s what the people of Japan and the world need right now.  I’m sending my thoughts, prayers, and love to the people of Japan, and I’ll be my most effective when I’m compassionate with the people all around me, including myself, as a connection to all others.  It’s the little things and it’s a place to start.

(If you’re curious..it’s worth a visit her website - she offers a free hypnosis or life coaching session to get to know her…she’s as fun as she looks.)

Movement. Oneness. Joy.

The two largest images on the right-facing page were from this wedding and shot by my second shooter on this wedding, Jane Zarzynski, who I was so happy to have join me on the trip.  One of these images was also used in Crain’s New York Business publication when Sonal was featured there recently as well.

The presentations were as diverse as photographers’ styles are diverse – I enjoyed each (especially that Uncle Bob!).  In my presentation, I shared the reasons behind a new service and product that I am offering my clients, the Living Legacy Collection.  You can view my presentation, along with my highly talented fellow photographers’ presentations, on the Photographer’s Ignite website and YouTube. It was such an honor to be part of this event, and although I can’t claim to be the most polished or entertaining speaker, I really enjoyed the experience!  I just might take up Toastmasters…

Here’s the link to my presentation on YouTube:

I do have some recent big news to share now as a sneak peek of more to come.  I’m excited that I was recently selected to IGNITE the crowd along with 19 other photographers at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) convention in Las Vegas next month during their new Photographer’s Ignite closing program event.

Ignite presentations started just a few years ago and are simply defined as 5-minute presentations with 20 slides automatically advanced every 15 seconds.  I’ll share more about my own presentation soon.

In the meantime, enjoy some time exploring TED: Ideas worth sharing.  I happened upon this website and amazing looking community of people and ideas when learning more about what Ignite presentations are all about.  Dreaming big…, I would be thrilled to someday land myself at a TED conference.

So, time to meet Katherine: