Happy New Year, Go Do Something Crazy

15 Jan Happy New Year, Go Do Something Crazy

There is nothing more important in life than stories. We’re creating them all the time- the big, epic, where-the-hell-was-the-editor stories of our marriage or career or building a family, and the little stories of a day or a moment. I was talking to one of my Famous Photographer Friends (I am very much the girl next door in my circle of star-studded BFFs) a while ago, brainstorming for an art project, and we got to talking about how at the beginning of our careers we had this crazy idea that photography was about photographs. Now, though, we’ve come to our senses and realised the truth- that yes, we love that we are making incredible art, but what really matters is the story.

Easy, or amazing?

The thing about stories, though, is that they’re easy to miss out on. It’s easy to do the sensible thing instead of the daring thing. It’s easy to space out on your phone instead of making friends with a stranger on an airplane. Easy to stick to your routine instead of growing. Easy to stay comfortable. Easy, easy, easy…

So this month I’m here to to remind you that the new year is perfect time to shake free of your comfort zone and take some risks. Make some stories. Read some, too. Be just a little bit more of the person you wish you were. Above all, stop telling yourself you can’t. “Can’t” is a bullshit word and you’re better than that.

Why the hell do we call it a comfort zone anyway?

The truth is, your comfort zone doesn’t keep you safe. It doesn’t even make you comfortable. It keeps you from growing, from changing, from feeling proud of yourself for doing something hard and amazing.

What would you do today if you weren’t afraid? What would be your next story? Think about it.