We are currently living in uncertain times, borders are closing, flights are being re-routed, and our children are learning online. Being comfortable with uncertainty doesn’t come natural to us, it’s something we learn to deal with throughout our lives. It’s times like these when we start to analyze scenarios that could happen, which help us realign our priorities and make us think why we do the things we do. I have talked about the importance of starting with why, but especially now, when we are dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic, it is time we look deep inside our self.
Imagine you just found out that you had only two years to live. What would you do? At the time of your death, is there anything that you would regret not doing in your lifetime?
Answering these questions will definitely change your perception of life.
I have been traveling for the last two months. I had left China in mid-January for Colombia to spend my winter vacation but then the epidemic happened and I haven’t been back since then. I know that a lot of you who are reading this are also in similar situations and can relate to what I’m going through. These past few months have changed the way I do things and think about life. It has also made me realize that I used to worry about superficial things, there are far more important things in life that I have been neglecting.
This is kind of a wake up call as well, for which I’m grateful.
This year has been fortunate for me because I got to spend some time with my family. I believe buying an experience is more important than buying physical things. Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob has far greater value for creating happiness for you, than owning a brand new car or an expensive watch. The immense joy and happiness I experienced with my family is now on top of my list.
I also want to spend more time producing photography projects, and growing my body of work. A couple of months ago I was in Houston, and shot a portrait of my cousin. I then sketched a few of my thoughts on it. I feel that when I write or draw on my photographs, it creates a new meaning and a deeper connection for my fans. In the past whenever I posted my work online, people either commented on my artistic abilities or said, “your camera takes great photos” (if you’ve ever said that to a photographer before, please don’t do it again, it’s like telling an artist that their paintbrush paints beautiful paintings!), but since I started sketching my thoughts on my photographs, people had conversations with me about how they felt after looking at my work. I believe I have uncovered a layer, which will help me get closer to my authentic work. If my artwork can make people think differently, then it would be a great legacy to leave; a gift that gives hope and inspiration.
“Life is too short to be little.” – Disraeli
It’s time to start making things, and sharing your talents with the world. If you have a special gift, then use it, and use it every day. Make magic happen. We are here to give. The more we give, the more happiness we create, even in forms that we can’t see.