Today I am happy to introduce the first guest post on my blog!
A few months ago I received an email from a reader that almost made me cry! It was from George who said that my writings inspired him and his wife to make a major change in their lives and that now they had a reason for living. He wanted me to know that I made a difference. It really felt good đ
And so I asked George if he would like to write his story for my “I Am Changing My Life” series, which started with the first post where I made my big announcement that led to where I am today.
Here is George’s story along with a few of his photographs.
Follow your passion; strive to make a difference.
In Anneâs July âI Am Changing My Lifeâ blog post titled Metamorphosis, she talks about how to embrace inevitable change by freeing ourselves of expectations, choices, and physical objects. When change happens unexpectedly it helps to free ourselves from the norm. I learned this recently.
My wife and I met in college; she was a adventurous country girl and I a city boy passionate about nature. Every free moment we indulged in outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, whitewater and lake canoeing. Later, when we had kids, we added water skiing and snow skiing. We were living our lives while we were young.
Then, 23 years ago, my wife was struck with a horrible debilitating illness, an auto-immune disorder that was actually a syndrome of many debilities. She hung in there, as was her nature, but finally cut back to half-time work and eventually had to take early retirement. I finished my career before my wifeâs condition deteriorated to the point that she needed help getting through the day and she had become housebound.
Until recently, our biggest enjoyment has been reminiscing all day about the fun we had before her illness. Those have been on her really good days. Pretty sad really.
We, my wife and I, hope our story will inspire the young to follow Anneâs and Rayâs example and not wait until later to do those things you love doing. But more than that, to encourage all ages to explore less conventional possibilities to living life to your version of the fullest; taking risks if necessary.
Letâs face it, for the first 18 or so years of our lives we were all pretty much programmed not to think too much about our futures. We knew what we would be doing the next year – going to school. Of course we developed interests and engaged in other activities but nothing like what we would face upon graduation.
We were all told to follow our dreams. I believed that stuff and did pursue my passion. But it seems that the tangible encouragement is often lacking. While just beginning that journey, I actually had a friend of my folks, a ferryboat deck hand, ask me â When are you going to knock off this nonsense and come back home and get a real job?â I was so taken aback that I didnât think to ask him what kind of job that would be, but I knew it wasnât something I was meant to enjoy.
I recently looked at my high school classâ web site and was surprised by the number of classmates that listed their occupation as âRetiredâ. Not a vocation that they were passionate about for the past 30 or 40 years. That is just plain sad. But it doesnât have to be like that.
Early in our life together we made the decision that, while we could pursue careers that would earn us a lot more money, we wanted to maximize our outdoor adventures as much as possible. We were fortunate in carefully picking college majors that led us to careers doing what we loved, mine in the out-of-doors working with Nature and herâs allowing plenty of time off to play âin the woodsâ. The term âin the woodsâ is our synonym for anywhere outdoors in nature, be it the desert, beach, forest, or bare mountain top.
To supplement the joy of my career, I developed my skills in other interest, my hobbies, one of which is photography. As our active outdoor life came to a gradual end, I turned more to my photography for gratification. Thanks to wonderful photo forums and blogs like Anneâs I have developed not just my enjoyment in pushing the shutter button, but new, cherished friendships.
I canât count the number of photographers that, when asked, say that they want their photography to âmake a differenceâ. Six months ago I wrote Anne McKinnell, our blog host, to encourage her to stick with her and Rayâs âexperimentââ and tell her I found her photography inspirational and teaching beyond excellent. I also wanted to let her know that she âmade a differenceâ for me and my wife. Anneâs stories about RVing were motivating and instrumental in pushing us to buy a motorhome so we could get back in nature and the outdoors.
My photography has expanded from the backyard to the out-in-nature sites we now enjoy. We donât go far, but by taking our âhomeâ with us we can do it. My wifeâs health has actually improved a little. It has been a bit like returning to our youth. We have great memories from âback thenâ but now we are making new ones. John Burroughsâ quote comes to mind: “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
We all have something we are passionate about and we all want to make a difference.
Donât put it off! Take the risk.
If you are still young do it now; at least open the door so when the opportunity comes you can grasp it. When the sun of your life is over in the west, trust me, you want to be able to look back and know you achieved your passion and made a difference. Donât be one of those who puts âRetiredâ next to âOccupationâ. If you are challenged by the deck of cards life has thrown at you, donât fold, play the hand to the fullest you can. And if you are in your Golden Years and slowing down a bit, just remind yourself that, like photography, the Golden Hours can be the best; donât miss the opportunity. My wife and I almost did.
Encourage others to engage in whatever it is that they are passionate about. Try to never miss an opportunity to tell those who have affected you that they have made a difference.
About the Author
Wonderful!! I love the post and the images are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks to George for sharing these, and to you, Anne, for opening this space for him to do so.
Thanks Laurie, I think we can all learn a lot from George and his wife and how they are doing everythign they can to live life to the fullest! It’s never too late.
Thank you Laurie.
George’s photos are marvelous, and his beautifully written post is very moving. I wish both of them good light and happy adventures in their new motor home and on their new pathways. May his wife’s health continue to improve.
Thank you Mim, for your kind thoughts.
George
Thank you for your lovely comments Mim. I agree, his post is moving.
An inspiring story, well told by George with some beautiful images. Thank you Anne for bringing it to a far wider audience – that is well deserved indeed. We never know what life is going to throw at us, or when a life changing event will ‘happen’ to us. We have to live in the moment, it is the only way to live, otherwise we will live with regrets.
That’s true Andy. It often seems like life happens to us, but I guess it’s what we do with what we are given. Thanks for your comments.
I missed a few comments and want to let all these kind folks I appreciate their comments.
Thank you Andy.
What a great inspirational story. Thanks George for sharing with us and thanks Anne for giving George a forum for reaching a wider audience. The world has been made a better place because of these words.
I’m resharing on my facebook page.
Thank you Richard. I hope those who are struggling with direction for their lives will benefit.
Thank you very much for your kind comment Richard!
I say AMEN to all of the comments and wish George and his wife many good times in their motorhome.
I have a wife, a camera, a 5ver, and a truck to pull it with.
We go as often as we can. I don’t have an occupation any more but we do have grandchildren that we help with so we can’t travel like Anne and Ray. Just hoping we can enjoy our great outdoors for many more years.
I have been inspired by Anne and Rays adventures.
Hi William, sounds like we have a lot in common đ Thanks for your lovely comment, it means a lot to both Ray and me that our story can inspire others.
I agree William, Anne’s and Ray’s adventures are still fun and inspiring to read. Since my post my wife’s quality of life has improved (and my attitude for that matter). The RV has truly been a life saver.
That was a great post. I wish George and his wife all the best. Way to go Anne!
Thank you very much Edith!
Thank you Edith for the kind words and thoughts. We are doing well, enjoying each day as it comes but really looking forward to spring when the campgrounds open up.
Your photos are so gorgeous and so amazing. I really enjoyed them.
Thanks for your lovely comment Charlie!
Thank you. I appreciate the encouragement.
William, Edith, Charlie, Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Made it out last week and are meeting friends again soon.
George
Such a lovely post. I’m passionate about photography. Now, I think I must seriously pursue my passion. Anne’s writings are real boosters to someone like me in India, where photography is about weddings and other ceremonies. I feel there is something beyond for photography.
Hi Yesu, yes I agree, there is a lot more photography has to offer than just weddings and ceremonies. Thank you very much for the compliment on my writing, I’m glad you are enjoying the blog. Thanks for your visit and comments.
YSRK, that is very true — there is so much India has to offer; first to you, the photographer — for your enjoyment of looking through the viewfinder and second, if you share with others to show them things they haven’t seen before.
Wonderful story!
I once wrote to Anne about how much this blog has inspired me as well.
Now your story.
I really find it so nice that some people run out of the “standards” of going to university, get a corporate job, spend 35 years waking up at the same time, doing the same thing, and going back home the same time again, and just go out and live a worthy life =)
I, myself, quit my job to work as a photographer. This was certainly not easy, I had to change my life a lot, run out of money, etc. but it’s all worthy! =)
Hi Lanna, thank you very much for your visit and comments. It’s great to hear from another person who has changed their life for photography and I’m so glad you are happy doing it.
Good for you, If there is any way possible you (all of you) have to do what you love.
i have known George online for a little over a year. He started out as my mentor and we have become friends. He inspires and instructs me daily and am overjoyed that he shared his story and photos! He introduced me to Anne’s work and her photos and books have helped me become a better photog. i am so very grateful.
Thank you very much for your lovely comments Robin! I am glad George has helped us connect online.
Thank you for sharing your story, George.
My pleasure Tiffanie. And like other have said, Thank you Anne for providing the opportunity.
A little up date:
It has been about two years since we bought our motorhome on a wing and a prayer. Now our gratitude to those that encouraged us (even those that didn’t who gave us food for thought) couldn’t be greater or ever repaid. Since the original post, after our first summer with the rig we have discovered many advantages we had never anticipated. They can probably be adequately encapsulated in my response to one of my wife’s concerns: “Is it difficult to drive, does it create a lot of stress driving something this big?” I try to impress on her how much less stress it is, whether it is a doctor’s trip to Reno or to our son’s place in Sacramento, because we have everything we need to accommodate her condition (it varies from hour to hour).
My wife had to have a series of rather minor eye procedures last year and rather than stay at the Residence Inn, like we usually do, my wife wanted the cozy, comfy feel of OUR home on wheels. The Grand Sierra Resort Casino has a full hookup RV park. We though it would just be nice to sleep in our own bed, have a variety of food in the frig. and for Jake, our dog, to wait in the RV instead of the back seat of a car. It turned out to be much, much more than just “nice”, it turned out to be critical for a number of reasons. Suffice to say, we never anticipated using the rig for medical convenience but it sure paid off in that regards. My stress over managing the logistics involved in an out-of-town doctors visit is so much less with the motorhome than it is with a car. AND we actually came out abut $100 ahead, all expenses considered.
But we found that, unlike camping for a couple of days where we sit outside a lot, casino RV parks are intentionally un-scenic. The want you inside gambling, not enjoying yourself outside. Our 26 foot class A with no slide was feeling claustrophobic. So we kind of half heartedly started looking for something about the same length but with one or two slides. Santa was good to us!
And I think my photography has improved which makes sense: Less stress, clearer mind, better focus. And much happier — and we like being happy.
Thanks for “listening”. We wish you all the best; rewarded by the images you find behind the lens.