A few months ago I featured a young woman by the name of
Yolanda. I mentioned her directed focus and how at a young age she was effectively using the technique to accomplish great things in her life. When I met Yolanda she was in the process of putting together her little magazine and scraping together money to pay for photo shoots.
I remember her watching all the details as I set up to take pictures for my blog. She seemed very determined when she said her dream was to save and buy a good digital camera so she could develop her own photos for the magazine and her books.
As I think about that scene, I wonder if we really pay attention to the effect of little things. We have become so accustomed to grand gestures, splashy announcements, and trumpet blasts that point us in the next direction that we give little thought to how little changes, if we run with them, can make major changes in our lives.
Returning to the scene with Yolanda, I remember thinking that I had an older digital camera I bought a couple of years ago that was just sitting on the shelf. I offered it to her and she seemed overwhelmed with delight that she would have a camera. For me it was a small thing in that it was an entry level camera that in my mind would simply get her started.
I recently returned to visit Yolanda and now understand why she watched so closely as I set up to take those original pictures. She had done a little reading on photography and there before me were hundreds of pictures and two tripods she now uses to take different shots.
She showed me picture after picture of different locations she has added to her photo library. She had book covers, concept shots, and photos of herself using all kinds of photographic techniques.
Another blogger friend had a recent column titled “
Start Where You Are” and that is “it” completely. Little Yolanda didn’t look at the fact she had an entry level camera but the fact she
had a camera. For her the focus was all the things she could do with that camera and how she would use it to enriched her life. She started there and has built a little empire upon that concept. One small thing has grown and transformed itself into something big and wonderful.
I asked what caused her to try some of the techniques and she told me she just started trying things and that one thing led to another and another and she just kept going with it. I know I learned from this lesson that small things, sort of like avalanches, begin with one thing that keeps rolling until it becomes a massive flow. She proudly posed with the camera and the guitar she is learning to play. Oh yes, did I mention that she is negotiating with a publisher regarding one of her books?
“Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières”…
You’re the one who made the little snow ball that started the avalanche…What a good idea !
You go, Yolanda! And Cherrie, you are an inspiration for many of us – me included. You have given many gifts. And for that, as well as introducing us to the creative example of Yolanda. It takes faith to step out and ride the avalanche, and I am learning alot from you!
JLBO: Small streams become large rivers. I love that expression.
Terre: Just start walking. Sometimes the road will take you exactly where you want to go. Sometimes it will take you to a strange place, but at least you will know where that road leads. Learn from all your adventures!
I give Yolanda all the credit in that she has focused on where she wants to go and I simply gave her a little push.
Nice blog!!
I found it profound that you said you gave her a camera that “would simply get her started”, when that simple act was the beginning of a whole new world to her!
I found your blog because you were the “Next Blog” after mine today. 🙂 What a find!