Going all philosophical.

   Yesterday was my 39th birthday. Something i like to do around this time is to look back on the past year and ask myself what i accomplished and if i'm happy with the way the year went. I have never really been one for new years resolutions, to me they're just ways of setting yourself up for disappointment and dissatifaction. So how did I do this year? Pretty well i think: a banner year for my own personal business  including branching out into photojournalism,  quite a bit of personal growth as well as making some business decisions that i think will be great to me in the future, lots of new skills learned, and a ton of fun times with friends and a few personal projects conquered.
    I encourage everyone to do this kind of self-analysis every once in a while, maybe not yearly. For those people that seem to never be happy with their surroundings or your lack of progress or even feeling like maybe you're going backwards, you really are in control of your life. I will never forget something i was told once, "if you feel like you're constantly swimming against the current you have two choices: either flip over and ride that current and see where it takes you, or get out of the river and re-evaluate where you are and pick a different spot to get in and take another go at it." Seems simple stupid, but so many people struggle with this. By all means i don't feel like i'm exactly where i want to be, but i am quite happy with how my decisions have turned out. I made some personal choices a while back to either be happy where I am or change it. The best birthday present i could have given myself. Try it.
    I leave you with only one image today. Although it's nothing spectacular or profound, read into it what i see: at his age the world is all his. He can make it whatever he wants and i sincerely hope he does. So i present to you my Tad, larger than life. You can still do this, it's never too late to take your life by the reigns and steer it in the direction you wish it were headed.

   I think I should take a second and thank some people that have helped me or inspired me this year. First off, I wouldn't have been able to do half of what i've done without my incredible wife tammy. She really gets me, which isn't easy. Next there is a group of photographers: Chris Hsieh, who is a constant inspiration for me business-wise and a great sounding board. Thank you brother, sushi soon! Then there's Rik Andes, who along with being a stellar photographer, is a constant force that reels me back in even though he doesn't probably know it. i find myself thinking "what would Rik do or say?". He's going to read this and say "really???" but it's true. There's a few people i have to thank for my transition into photojournalism, Ginny Hagin, i never ever ever would have thought to try it if you hadn't suggested it. Luke Townsend, I can't thank you enough for all the advice, and i hope your endeavours on the path of Buddhism fulfill your life as they have mine. I can't leave out all the wonderful people in The factory, my group of awesome photographers, you all inspire me and keep me motivated. Last but certainly not least is my best friend Heather. I love you girl. You deserve a medal just for putting up with me, and you're the best friend anyone could ask for.
    I know there are countless more people in my life that i owe thanks to, I can't squeeze them all into this post. So i just have to say thank you to them, you know who you are and you enrich my life daily. To all my friends and family and people that support my strange world, thank you. Simply put to end this post, don't settle for anything less than true happiness, and don't stop until you're where you want to be.

T.