every step you take

 

I consider the various phases and stages of my life like stepping stones; one after the other being set down just in time to catch my next step. Looking at each step as an important and integral part of my journey helps me to live without regret. If I believe that each stone was essential, then what I might have considered missteps weren’t missteps at all. On the contrary, they were totally essential to get me to where I am now. I wouldn’t be who I am without everything that I’ve been through. Good, bad or otherwise. And I wouldn’t have gotten this far down my road without every single step.

I am often asked to share my story of how I became a photographer. Of how Shutter Sisters came to be. Of how all the pieces of my story fit together. So much of it seems unlikely and yet it all somehow makes sense. Telling my story has helped me remember the steps I took, one after the other; often times unaware, unsure of what my next step would be. Truth is, I just kept taking it one stone at a time. Some leaps were bigger than others from one to the next.  Sometimes I was more sure-footed than others. As I moved forward, I didn’t always see the connection or understand the correlation from step to step. But, now looking back, I can see that each step was there for a reason. Each decision I made and each decision that was made for me (you don’t always get what you want) had its place and its purpose. It’s always an empowering process for me, to share my story. It reminds me of all my stepping stones.

Today, I encourage you to think about your story. Study your past. Look back upon your own stepping stones. Remember that you have been led to this place. That you have traveled far to get here. That every part of your journey holds some responsibility in why you are here.

Let’s see some sort of stone or pathway or your own feet even...something that honors every step.

Comments

[Marcie]

Me too - I've often wondered about my path..and the steps it took to get me where I am. Altho the journey hasn't been exactly linear...there have been stepping stones and there has been a path. I sometimes liken it to a field of dreams...how one has linked itself to another:
http://marciescudderstudios.squarespace.com/home/2011/8/21/field-of-dreams.html

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[Catherine]

Tracey, I never really realized this was true until I met my husband - randomly on a dating site, not romantic, I know! - and then so many of my life choices became guided by our partnership, rather than my personal whims.

The funny thing is that photography, for me, started with an ex-boyfriend who was a professional photographer. The camera I bought, the class I took, the part-time job I took with a photography company, the way I approach taking pictures... all started with one very lousy boyfriend!

[Petra]

NiCe & cUddLy ... my feelings while reading your post today ... ♥
I am on the same boat on the other side of the ocean and it feels good to be on a journey with my work, my explorations, a few sad stories and lots of magic. I travel with a suitcase full of outrageous blessings. I am on a quest for truth, beauty and quiet joy ... and I enjoy it with lots of love and an inner smile that every step will bring me closer to my true self.

[olivia]

life has some crazy turns.. if you had asked me 6 years ago and you told me I would be living in california, i would have scoffed.. but here I am, a canadian living in california except however in between I got married, lived in texas for a few years, learned how to use a camera last year and now I have a blog.. who would have thought! i wonder what the next few years will bring...


http://lovelifeandpictures.blogspot.com/2011/08/week-end-beach-bike-ride.html

[Heidi M]

A few magical steps.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49824873@N05/6069768294/in/photostream
My path can lead wherever I choose - the problem is not knowing where that may be, yet and the years aren't going to wait for me to decide.
Heidi

[Kat]

Your post is timely, I've been thinking about this quite a bit myself lately. The path of our journey is usually not obvious in the moment, yet when we look back we can see a clear sequence that got us to where we are today. I'm exploring one stepping stone on my journey today...
http://www.kateyeview.com/2011/08/heart-sees-deeper-than-eye.html

I would also recommend this inspiring video, which reminds you that everything happens one step at a time:
http://www.kateyeview.com/2011/08/one-step-at-time.html

[rakusribut]

a visual impression of (bits of) my journey....:-))

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61760618@N08/sets/72157627370049065/detail/

[Jodi]

My journey into motherhood began over nine years ago when I was pregnant with my first son. Our family is complete and so is the marker reminding me of their newborn days. The third foot (belonging to my third son) was added last week.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64098150@N08/6071136844/in/photostream

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[Morgen]

Last week something happened that turned our world upside down. We had to make some pretty big choices that would change a lot about our lives. I took this picture during that time. It had rained and my soul was aching for something to help clear my head. I immediately was drawn to the puddle. I was surprised how even my feet hold the stresses of the week. Just another stepping stone leading us to our next adventure.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearsefamily/6048921369/in/photostream

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