Random Thoughts 21: Pro vs. Amateur

I always cringe when I hear people say: “I’m not a professional, I just photograph for fun.” It always feels that they are trying to downplay the quality of their work. As if being a professional means that the quality of the work is necessarily better… Many amateurs are far better than many pros!

Let’s face it: The ability to make a living with your art is not a measure of your talent as an artist, it is a measure of your talent as an entrepreneur.

And this, my friends, was my random thought for today!

Valérie :)

Random Thoughts 11: About Winter

If you want to hear how much winter sucks, you can stop reading. I am in a very positive mood this morning and I am determined to find at least a few positive thoughts about living in frigid temperatures for several months every year. So here it goes:

• You really, and I mean REALLY appreciate the small victories such as reaching the freezing point for a day or two in the middle of January.
• Nothing quite compares to the 'morning after' when you wake up to a fresh blanket of snow. Blue hour is truly blue and soon gives place to a million of sparkles as the sun comes up. 
• Shoveling snow, if done properly, is really good exercise and works muscles you don't even know you had.
• The drip-drip-drip of the snow melting from the roof in the spring is music to my ears.
• The first precipitation in a liquid form makes you want to dance with joy.
• Witnessing the first green shoots of the crocuses under the snow is like finding a treasure.
• The call of the chickadees answering each other in their mating call is even sweeter than my favorite Ed Sheeran song.
• And so many other little things that most take for granted: Seeing the blacktop of my driveway after months of packed snow and ice, being able to actually stop at stop signs, not having to worry about your fresh food freezing instantly in your cart between the grocery store and the car...

Okay, it sounds like most of the positives I could find actually happen when winter finally gives way to spring in April, or May... But warmer temperatures are finally right around the corner in Minnesota. Today already, at -18C/0F and sunny, it's starting to feel a little bit like spring ;) 

How was that for a positive outlook on winter?

Random Thoughts 10: A Blank Page

I love new beginnings! Whether it's a new day, a new week, or a new year, it's always a good time to start a new chapter. I don't care much for 'new year's resolutions' in general. But they keep the fitness industry happy for a few weeks every January, so that's a good thing ;)

Whatever the 'new' is for you, why not make a small step towards your dream this year? It doesn't have to be a giant leap. Maybe one simple step in the direction you want to change one thing in your life will be enough to propel you in a new direction. I made many really big changes in my life in recent years. I decided to live my dream and I made it happen. Luck had nothing to do with it, hard work and determination did!

Living your dream is the most difficult task you will ever take on. Let's face it, if it was easy, everyone would do it. It may not be big, but no matter what it is, you owe it to yourself to give it a go. There is no 'back to square one' when your game is over. 

Cheers to a beautiful New Year! May you surround yourself with people who love, support and empower you in your wildest dreams.  

Valérie Jardin

P.S. In the same train of thoughts, you may enjoy listening my latest podcast episode on Hit The Streets here.

Random Thoughts 009: A Week Off

It's been a crazy few months. I should even say: A crazy few years. I've been going full steam for a long time, and I rarely take more than a day or two off from writing, podcasting, blogging or teaching. I never really feel like I need to take a break because I love what I do so much that it never feels like work. Also, being a solo entrepreneur, I never really leave 'the office', it's in my pocket all the time, no matter which day of the week it is or where in the world I am.

I boarded my flight to Paris a week ago exactly and I haven't done any office work other than answering a few emails. I haven't written an article, a blog post or a book chapter in 7 full days. I didn't even work during the 8+ hour transatlantic flight! It's been 100% family fun and camera time. 

Part of the reason why I have been more disconnected than usual is that sharing limited bandwidth with three others has been too frustrating to try to spend much time on the internet. Going for an extra walk on the beach with my camera or reading a book at night has been much more relaxing than trying to log on. 

I just spent 3 days in Paris with my kids, we walked about 50k, stayed up late and enjoyed every minute of La Vie Parisienne. Now back at my family home in Normandy for the rest of my vacation, I look forward to more walks on the beach, family fun and camera time. Maybe I'll even do a drawing or two. The key is to try not to put any pressure on myself. Phone calls can wait, emails are not all urgent and I already put a few podcast recordings in the queue.

La vie est belle, profitons-en!