Black + White

She came out and admitted she was afraid to tell me. And I was shocked. I sat across the table and asked what she meant, but deep down I knew. My sweet friend Gail and I sat with a grilled artichoke between us and she said she was worried to tell me her decision for fear of my reaction.

Right then I felt like Large Marge from Pee Wee's Big Adventure…was I really that scary?

A while back, Gail and I discussed the balance between her photography business and full-time job and I asked when she was going to become a full-time photographer. Months later Gail worked up the nerve to tell me she wasn't. She wanted to keep the full-time job she loves as well as foster her photo business on the side. I was thrilled to hear of her decision, but it wasn't until last Saturday that I realized Gail was afraid to tell me.

It's just so black and white with you, she said. And there you have it. Black and White.

For as long as I can remember, I forced my world into black and white decisions, opinions, rules because it helped me move quickly and form ideas outside of my emotions. I've been like this since I was a kid. I speak ardently about following your dreams and pursuing your passion, but what I don't clarify is that it isn't black or white. And it doesn't come in one form. My path to success is my own, so forgive me if it comes across as if it is The Only Way.

Sometimes I push, push, and push for people to pick a side, defend their stance because it helps formulate what, exactly, it is they want. I paint the world in black and white, but I know the details painted by others will be a shade of grey. And that's totally fine. It's perfect, really. Your path to success, happiness, and fulfillment will be entirely your own…and I'll be on the sideline cheering you along.

My goal has only ever been to push others, encourage them to outline their goals, and then set a route to achieve them. So while it may appear black and white, I truly know every path is painted with a different stroke. Regardless of what success looks like for you, I'm just happy knowing you took a stance, defended it, and pursued it like it was your last chance at happiness.