Today, Sept. 15, marks the one year anniversary of Right Kind of Lost. I cannot believe I have kept this blog going for a year. I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. It is a lot more work than I bargained for. But it was one of my dreams, so I went for it and stuck with it.
The first time I used WordPress was the day I set up this blog. That day I sat in front of my computer for at least 15 hours – trying to figure the software out and make it look at least semi-professional. It also took me a while to get into the habit of getting off work and spending at least four hours working on my post for the week.
But I love this blog. I love taking pictures, and I love writing about cool places I’ve been. That makes the time and effort put into Right Kind of Lost worth my time. One of my goals with this blog is to encourage women to get outdoors and enjoy life. Another one of my dreams is to share my love of the outdoors with everyone – I love it so much I just can’t keep it all in.
But you see, I could have, and should have, started this blog a long time ago. I read other outdoor blogs and thought, “It would be so cool to do something like that.” But I let my fears get in the way of my dreams. I thought I couldn’t succeed at it. Those other outdoor blogs were full of women who looked like models and guys sporting man buns. I did not feel cool enough to enter into that game.
Don’t let failure and fears get in the way of your dreams
Failure also brought me to where I am today. All through my 20s I looked for a husband and wanted to start a family. When the relationship with my only serious boyfriend ended, I was crushed. But looking back, I’m so glad it ended. I love where my life is now.
I love traveling, I love the outdoors, I love writing and taking pictures. Five years ago, I was ready to give up these loves for a person. No relationship is worth shucking your dreams. If you have to comprise who you are, it is not worth it.
I also failed at teaching at the local community college part time to earn extra income. If I were good at teaching, I would have not started this blog. Failing at something does not mean you suck at life, it just means that there is something better for you.
I love this blog way more than I liked teaching retirees how to work a camera. I love my life now more than I would have if I married my former boyfriend. If I had married my former boyfriend, I would have not traveled as much as I have over the last few years. And I’ve seen some pretty cool places.
Another set of dreams I let fears get in the way of, was my dream to pursue a career in photojournalism. When I was a little girl, I read Outdoor Photographer and Backpacker Magazine and my head was full of dreams to become an adventuring photographer. I never considered it a possibility until after I went to college. Fortunately while I was in college, my professors and parents were encouraging.
I was able to secure an internship and then a full-time job at The Sentinel-Record newspaper in Hot Springs, my hometown. Last year, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary. I have also won several awards for photography.
Working toward small goals can help you build confidence. I am not a runner, but when I turned 30, I started running to stay in shape. I then trained for a half marathon and have now completed two. That was a big accomplishment for me. Five years ago, I would have never though I could run a 5K, let alone a half marathon.
It really helped me to accomplish short manageable goals to know I can work toward longer, more extensive goals.
So if you have dreams, don’t be afraid to go after them. If you fail, it only means that something better is out there waiting for you. I’m not saying it will be easy, but it will be more than worth it.