A friend of mine recently expressed his desire to start taking pictures again. I have seen some of the pictures he has taken in the past and they are very good. But, even though more than one person has commented on this fact he has never taken his interest seriously, until now.
This afternoon he walked into my office with his new camera, a Sony DCS-H50 9.1 MP Digital with a 15x Optical Zoom. He was like a kid on Christmas morning. He held the camera reverently in his hands like it was gold and his eyes sparkled with happiness. He couldn’t stop grinning.
In a single moment I went from being excited for him to being consumed with envy. I wanted a new camera, too, my inner child cried and stomped her feet.
I was confused. Why was I jealous? What was going on?
While I was pondering these thoughts I headed over to my local Borders. They were holding a book a friend of mine had recommended, KALEIDOSCOPE: IDEAS + PROJECTS TO SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY by Suzanne Simanaitis.
It’s a beautiful book. But, I hadn’t gotten past the ‘About Suzanne’ and the ‘Dedication’ before that ugly snake of envy invaded my body again.
Twice in one day? What was going on?
Slowly it came to me.
It wasn’t the camera and it wasn’t the book. It was what they represented. Both people were following their heart and doing what they loved. They had acknowledged the truth of their own desires and had acted on that truth.
My friend bought the camera he wanted so he could indulge his love of taking beautiful pictures. Susanne Simanaitis has not only written a book that supports her creativity and the creativity of others, but she has built a life, a business and a community around that same love.
Like a snowman on a warm and sunny winter day, I felt the envy melt away.
I reminded myself that I too have begun to acknowledge the truth that lives in my heart and to take action. And, that even if the things I love to do are the same as someone else, these things, whether it be writing, taking pictures, or painting, will be expressed in my own unique way according to my heart and my truth. Just because someone else is writing about the same things I am or may have the same business idea as mine, doesn’t mean I should give up. I am building an authentic life based on who I am, not someone like me.
As I write, the ideas, thoughts and stories I share will told in my own voice, in my own way. Not everyone will hear or respond to my voice, but I am not trying to reach everyone, just those that can hear me and want to hear me.
What does your heart call you to do? What things do you love to do, but haven’t acknowledged recently? Is it because someone else is doing it and you think you could never be as good? Remember, you are your first reason for doing anything. If you love to do something, just do it. Have fun. Don’t let the fact that someone else is doing it to stop you.
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