Becoming a Change-Maker

As a child, I always answered the question of what I wanted to be when I grew up by saying that I wanted to make a positive impact on someone's life. This desire was fueled by a commercial that I saw on TV featuring a boy and a man with a caption that read, "Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime." These words left a lasting impression on me, and I longed to inspire others to have the same passion and understanding of life that I had.

Initially, I was content with being given fish, but eventually, I desired to learn how to fish on my own. I wanted to be self-sufficient and not rely on others to do everything for me. Thus, for the past three years, I have been on a journey of self-discovery, learning from my mistakes and challenges, and teaching others along the way. Through this process, I have identified my strengths and weaknesses, built my self-esteem, and become a change-maker in someone else's life who has become very important to me.

By focusing on my "why" - to make a difference in someone else's life - and by continuing to grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, I have been able to support and encourage others to push through their own challenges. I have not given them a manual or a college course on how to become a better person, but rather, I have been a source of encouragement, empathy, and support. I cannot do the work for them, but I can inspire them to continue learning and growing on their own.

Applying what I learned this week to my personal life involves identifying my purpose or "why" and considering how I can best serve those around me. By focusing on others and removing my own interests from the equation, I can find greater fulfillment in making a positive impact. In my professional life, I have had to make important decisions about the businesses I work with as I establish my own photography business. By understanding their mission and vision, I can determine whether their values align with my own. As a professional photographer, my ultimate goal is to create beautiful family portraits that can be displayed proudly on walls, rather than being forgotten on a hard drive. This mission helps people to feel more confident and connected to their loved ones by reminding them of the important moments and relationships in their lives.