I have a stack of 10 to 15 well-worn books that counsel me when I need a dose of timeless inspiration, or need reminding of why I’m here, trapped in this fleshy suit, fighting with every fiber of my being to be the best man, son, brother, boyfriend, creative, student, teacher, leader, etc. that I can be, seemingly against universal current. I am reading one of these incredible books today, curiously named The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (not to be confused with the new white-collar workforce fav, The Art of War by Sun Tzu). In the opening of the book, Pressfield suggests that most of us have two lives: the life we live, and the unlived life within us. The thing that stands between these two lives is Resistance (think: fear, doubt, anguish – whatever keeps you from doing what you want to/should be doing). What a breath-taking idea. There is this life that we live, and our unlived life that we would be enjoying if not for our yields to Resistance. This idea is particularly resonant for me because I have lived so much of my life in fear. Fear of non-acceptance, fear of the responsibilities of success, fear of that empty, worthless feeling that accompanies failure. I even have a long-standing fear of talking to people. Just talking. There is a reason there are so few entries in this blog (the same reason I’ve chosen a career where I communicate visually in lieu of with the written or spoken word). It’s because I fear I have nothing to say – that no one is going to want to read what I write. I imagine my unlived life without this Resistance, and it is awesome. It is AWESOME. I touch so many more people. I make the journey of life so much more enjoyable for those around me. I bolster the power of the indomitable human spirit, and by example, inspire all to live courageously, abundantly, and in undeterred pursuit of their greatest vision of who they are. I will cut this rant short, though there is more to come.

I hope to conquer my Resistance in time to live the life I imagine. I hope that in writing this acutely honest entry, I’ve taken the next large, cathartic move towards a life rich with freedom and devoid of uncontrolled fear. I wish, for you and I both, a life sans Resistance.

I am a waiter. I am your waiter. Well, I’m a photographer, but stay with me – Imagine me greeting you in my finest starched vines, with a brilliant smile stretched across my caramel-toned, agreeable mug, carrying a covered silver platter. I set the platter beneath your nose, your nostrils flare with olfactory delight, and I swiftly remove the platter dome to uncover…bliss. Your eyes and ears and nose battle fiercely for the sensory festival before you. It is wonder-full. Full of your wonder. I am your waiter, your photographer. I serve you bliss. Much more to come…