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From my blog Life & How We Live It :

I had planned days ago to get out and shoot on August 19th because it was World Photography Day - a day to celebrate the art form that is photography!

I scouted out a gorgeous new location where I wanted to shoot but I was a little uncertain as to how to get there and what to expect. Living in a foreign country where you don’t understand the language creates legitimate layers of complexity in planning any type of outing.

And, on that particular morning, the weather didn’t look like it was going to cooperate.

I debated for some time as to whether I should go. My head was filled with that annoying mental chatter that likes to give us pause…and not in a good way. That hesitation creates space to reconsider the time, effort, and energy it takes to do the thing you actually really want to do!

I finally decided I would go but I changed course from my original plan and went somewhere closer that I was familiar with in case there was a downpour.

What a treat! This same place that I shot very recently offered completely new views as the tide had gone out pretty far. I had a great time and I achieved my objective which was to get out, shoot, and try some new things.

But, after a while, the storm decided it would hold off no longer. I had just enough warning drops to get my camera put away safely. But then, the bottom dropped out and I, on the other hand, was drenched!

I walked to a nearby restaurant to pick up some lunch and headed for home. As I was walking to my car, I glanced back to see that the rain had stopped and the most beautiful, dramatic clouds hovered over the ocean.

I looked back a second time and kept walking.

I wasn’t going to stop. I was hungry, soaking wet, and had all my camera gear packed up.

Then, I looked back a third time.

The sky had developed into a gorgeous purplish-blue color with billowy white clouds stretched across the horizon and I had to stop.

My lunch was cold when I got home but I’m so glad I didn’t miss a chance to persevere and be rewarded with this photo that makes me so happy.

This anecdote is one of many where perseverance in my creative efforts has led me down a wonderful and fulfilling path.

I believe the act of perseverance in one's creative pursuits creates a space in which one can think freely, nurture ideas, and try new things consistently, despite any obstacles that may present themselves. It means you keep going when others often quit.

There will always be obstacles. I had multiple opportunities to ignore what I actually felt compelled to do, which was to practice creating meaningful photos of the world as I see it.

Many times, against our best intentions, the path of least resistance often wins out.

Thankfully, it didn’t win that day.

What are you persevering to create?