Because nice matters

As it turns out, I’m really bad at remembering to update this blog. Hopefully calling myself out for this will help me be more reliable in the future. I received a wonderful message today that sparked this realization that I really needed to post an update, but more on that in a bit.

I have been struggling a lot lately with the notion of kindness. I am 110% a people pleaser, which is both a good and bad thing. It sounds silly, but making someone else smile puts a smile on my own face. I notice so often people being rude to others, usually complete strangers, for no reason. I have never understood how it makes someone feel good by tearing someone else down.

A few weeks ago, I received some harsh criticism from a stranger completely unrelated to my business but it called into question the integrity of what I am trying to do here. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but I took this very very personally. I shut down, questioned everything, and considered throwing in the towel. I am a firm believer that criticism, both good and bad, is very beneficial…but please, critique my worn not who I am as a person.

This helped me realize a few things. First, it furthered my strong stance on trying to be nice to everyone no matter what. You never know what someone else is going through internally and harsh comments don’t benefit anyone. Second, you have to believe in yourself and have confidence in not only yourself but what you are doing and what you stand for. I know I’m not the best, but photography is something I’m passionate about and although I may not be the most self-confident person out there, I am confident in my work. Lastly, some people are just jerks and unfortunately there is nothing any of us can do about it.

So now to the message I received today. I don’t even think the sender realizes they made my day/week/month. I received the following picture today of one of my recently sold prints freshly hung on a friends wall. This picture is one of my favorites and it makes me so happy knowing that someone else can get some joy out of it. It is also a huge personal accomplishment for me and I couldn’t be more excited for this wild ride that I have set out on.

More to come soon! I promise this time! :)

Thanks for reading!

Jessica