Today, I felt overwhelmed. So overwhelmed, in fact, in left the house in a huff. You know, steps on the verge of stomps…sighing too loudly…blinking in rapid succession. A huff. I was so busy with myself, I forgot about how my energy affected those around me. Early this morning, I quickly kissed JD on the forehead, rubbed Polo's belly, and darted out the door.

Plug cell phone in, bump the music, tie my shoelaces, stop a red light. I sigh. Too loudly. Then I see him. The elderly gentleman in a wheelchair hunched over waiting for the bus. He was alone. Dependent on the bus, his chair, his slouch. And I? I was dependent on myself. And there was the problem. I was so focused on ME, I couldn't see that the things I cared for mattered little. I complained of stress?!? Try waiting for the public bus on a hot day, in a wheelchair.

I called JD in tears. I apologized. For the stomping, the sighs, and caring for inconsequent things. For caring only for myself, and not those around me. I'm so sorry.

I'm happy to know there are so many people in the world who are better than me. Both literally, and with their cameras. And the Shoot Q Grant rewards such people. People who document the world in order to make change. As described on the Shoot Q Grant website, ShootQ Grant is a $10,000 grant given to a photographer to fund a project that raises public awareness about an important social, environmental or economic issue.

I'm fortunate to be one of the judges who chooses the recipient of the grant. I want to take the time to encourage readers to check out the site and if you're a qualified candidate, please apply. It's people like you who make the world better, and who make me believe change–even if it's just one huff at a time–is possible.