So, I took a new approach to my life. I begrudgingly accepted the support of my friends and family - those who love who I am, who I was in my darkest moment, and who I will become when all is said and done – and I decided to do the opposite of everything the old Julia ordinarily would have done. A very simple-sounding task perhaps, but terrifying as hell to me.
And undeniably energizing!!!
I flew out to Chicago on a whim to participate in a Women’s Photography Workshop and it turned out to be a huge turning point for me; traipsing after models on frigid city streets, getting used to shooting people, and trying to keep the creativity flowing.
A couple weeks later, and a bit closer to home, I attended a “Rediscover Your Love of Shooting” workshop. I trekked off to Hartford to join a bunch of total strangers – an already well-acquainted group of professional wedding and portrait photographers – amongst whom I was the least experienced. I totally crashed their party. I was the self-proclaimed “girl who doesn't shoot people.” But it didn’t matter; I was welcomed with open arms. We shot all day long, completely out of my comfort zone. People were barking at me, challenging me to think differently and do better. It was intimidating and invigorating all at the same time. When we sat down to anonymously critique each others' work, I sat terrified in the back of the room until my image popped up on the enormous screen and everyone cheered.
Fueled with excitement, I set off to do as much as possible. I had the amazing opportunity to second-shoot a bunch of weddings throughout the summer. I did two craft fairs. I published a book. I traveled to Nashville for yet another workshop and to the Berkshires for a photography retreat. I worked for the New Haven Animal Shelter at their Mutt Strut. And I attended seminars, gallery openings, and meetings up the wazoo.
I watched American Idol for the first time ever. I sent my first text message. I joined Facebook. I refined my cooking skills (which admittedly, uh… still need serious work.) I decided Rachael Ray wasn't the antichrist. I created a “101 Things to Do in 1001 Days” list of goals and have accomplished 28 of them already. (29 now!) I bought a house all by myself. I learned I can be a great Ms. Fix-It when the need arises. I learned the hardware store people now know me by name. I grew a backbone. I learned what love isn’t. I met old friends. I made new ones. I became a Mac person.
And in the middle of it all, I started a new job. A job I love, for a company I adore, with a group of co-workers I look forward to seeing every day. Feel free to tell me "Everything happens for a reason.” I’ve heard it ad nauseum. It’s totally true.
My life has a whole new direction. I met some of the most wonderfully supportive people I have ever known – and I became closer to the ones I’ve known forever - people that continue to inspire me daily, make me laugh, and prove that most people are innately good and kind.
Take a chance and open yourself to something new. You will be pleasantly surprised.
I thought a slideshow might be a good way to photo-summarize...
All my love and profound thanks to all my blog followers and all of my dear, dear friends:
My Mom and Dad, Christine, Jen G., Kris, Colleen, Rita, Shannon, Jen H., Amy, Lorraine, Nik, Jenn S., Kristy, Lori, Erin, Kate, Kath, Tanya, Kristin, Christine M., Krystal, Cathie, Christie, Kim, Cathy, Jen W., Melanie, Kari, Barb, Michelle, Gary, Deb L., Debbie L., Sue, Gail, Lynsie, Amy, Robin, Amanda, Carla, Justin, Mary, Steve, Aimee, Jacob, Val, Eileen, Paul, Corrie, Doug, Ken, Ingrid, Carol, Mary, Suzanne, and countless other people that I'm sure I've left off completely unintentionally.
I will never be able to thank you all enough. I can only hope someday I can offer the same kind of love and support to you in return.
Out with the old, in with the new! Here’s to 2009! XOXOX - Julia