It was my brother's birthday and we havent seen each other in a hot minute. He was the one that held my hand as I bought my first guitar. Let alone taught me how to play my first song, “more than words.” Taking pictures of Humpback whales with him back in the day was not easy at all for me but he is the reason why I love photography so much. He saw me at my worst, picked me up when I fell, and most importantly told me the truth even if it made me cry more.
If I were to describe him in one word, “generous.” He lives a busy life. Putting on different hats as a photographer for one of our local newspapers, musician (plays in 3 bands), and boyfriend to his girl. Although even with his busy schedule, he still makes time to reach out. Every time I needed to vent or in his words whine, he was there. Since he is getting older and have been experimenting with his cooking skills, I always seem to see his pictures with wine in hand. It reminded me of his annoying saying after every talking session, “do you want cheese with your whine?” So what did I get him for his birthday you ask? One bottle of red and white wine. Haha.
From career to personal life issues, it was always great to hear his perspective on things because mind you, he is a wise ol’ man that has seen and experienced a lot of things. Lol. However whatever decision I have made, whether good or bad, he has stood by me to see me make it out through the storm. I can honestly say he has been the only one that has pushed me over the borderlines of what I thought was capable. I thought to myself for a second that it could be because he has known me for so long and has seen what I could do. He has seen me grow up and has seen me when my will had been defeated yet has seen me glorified during my triumphs.
It was not until I met someone who is also in the media industry as well. He works with a different medium and different market from me. When I first met him it was a shaky start but once I found out he was in the industry, we hit it off real quick. During these uncertain economic times, it is hard for media folks to hold on to their jobs. Its been rough for a lot of people. People having to deal with layoffs, pay cuts, or even losing the entire organization as whole because of financial instability. However people in the media industry are not intimidated and are making ends to survive.
The new person and I have conversed about future plans. We look at the positives of not being totally immersed as we used to because in the media industry it is a love and hate relationship. Always learning something new, everyday being inconsistent from the previous, being in the know, and working with great people that are dedicated to their craft—now that is what we love about the industry. Having to cancel appointments or decline RSVPs, the sleepless nights, always on the go, and not being able to spend quality time with the loved ones—that is the dislike. Now that we are out of the loop a little, we are able to catch up on all that we have missed these past years and realize that what we had been missing was taken for granted.
We are both on the same path to make it in this world despite the given circumstances of our industry. This person barely knows me yet is totally in sync with my mind set. From work representations to exemplifying good character, I know in my mind that this person is going to make it. That is why i say that things happen for a reason. Who would have known. He has made me see things in a new light and we both know that in the end...even though some things aren't guaranteed, we will be fulfilled just by knowing that we gave it a shot. Together we have encountered so many opportunities and have exchanged hesitation with encouragement.
It got me thinking, everyone has that one person that pushes them to do just a little bit more and a little bit better more than one time around. Whether a stranger or a life-time friend, who knew that having patience and taking the time to listen could go a long way. If you got someone that has done this for you, let them know that you appreciate them for believing in you when no else did.
“Nobody knows your limits better than you do, but every once in awhile somebody will question all you know and they will push you for the better.”
*My brother's photography blog
*One of my all time favorite mixes by DJ Elofader (click regular download)
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