Renewed Spirit

Today I received an unexpected email from Daniel Staten, a good friend of mine who I went to high school with. He's someone I've always admired and looked up to, awe-inspired of his wittiness, multimedia talent, and ability to lead. He came across my website and said he got a "renewed spirit" after reading my blog (which needs some major updating, by the way). I'll share his email with you below, in hopes that his words might touch you and encourage you to sit down for a second to make a list of goals for yourself.

People have been asking me lately (in regards to photography and such)--"How did you get started?" or "How do you do it?" And so I answer, although it's difficult to describe with words alone--in addition to God faithfully providing amazing and unexpected opportunities, it's all about "The Secret." It's about setting high goals for yourself, looking at your dreams and saying "How am I going to get there?" or "How am I going to make that happen?" I urge you to use positive questions and words (do, can, will), rather than using the negative (like don't, can't, won't) saying pessimistic things like, "I don't think I can make it." or "I can't ever do that." It makes all the difference, I promise.

Think about the steps you will need to take to reach your end goals. Make them happen. Stop being lethargic and counting on tomorrow...for it is never guaranteed. Make someone hold you accountable. Start today. Start right now. Find what you love to do, and work it. Do it better. Do it differently. Be personable and build relationships. Do what you love and love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life. Stay pure. Seek ways to help others through your work--it's the thing that will fill you up the most, and will overflow unto the world. Do something that scares you. Be bold. Be adventurous. Don't worry about what other people think, do your thing. Try new things and taste new foods--you never know when you'll discover a new favorite. Work hard, play hard. Give thanks and express your love to the people that mean the most to you. Be grateful for every opportunity and realize that the people and experiences surrounding you will shape you for years to come. Do something you love everyday and don't be afraid to be yourself.

An email excerpt from my friend, Daniel:

"Carly,

I just wanted to tell you I stopped by your website today because I heard a rumor you were the photog at Brooke's wedding this weekend...if you were, congrats.

But more importantly, I got so much inspiration from your site and your blog today. Your photos were great and your blog entries were very enlightening. It inspired me to make some goals for myself for this summer and I wrote them down on my blog. If you'd like to read, it's the first entry on www.statenthefacts.com. It's funny sometimes how you gain inspiration and ideas where you weren't necessarily seeking them out. It was a great start to my day.

Hope everything is going well!

Best,

Daniel"