I wrote the following in response to a brilliant piece of writing that was by, about,  and for photographers. Doug Menuez is the author/photographer of

“On Chaos, Fear, Survival and Luck: Longevity is the Answer,” and I urge everyone, especially of you "creative types" out there to read it.

Here's my response:

When I began to read your article “On Chaos, Fear, Survival and Luck: Longevity is the Answer,” it occurred to me that there are other people “out there” who, like me, believe in what they are doing, who really believe they can do it well, and are constantly battling the strong (almost primal) urge to alter their long-term plans in order to reach that next bright spot that appears on the horizon.

I led most of my creative life as the lightning chaser, and sure enough, it ended in unhappiness, divorce and some time stuck in the creative doldrums. As someone who once fervently believed that “instant gratification takes too long,” it was one great idea after another. My lack of real confidence in my abilities created an open portal where family, friends and fools (I count myself as among the latter) were, without realizing it, directing my next career moves.

I know that everyone who tried to help had nothing but the best intentions. .  . they weren't trying to derail my dreams. I’m so sure of that because the dirty truth was that I had no dreams!

It took me almost a lifetime to realize that I could accept their advice with a nod and a smile and then go about the real work of finding, clearing and then travelling along my own path.I used to think that “one day at a time” was lack of forward thinking and planning, but now, I’m reminded every day (sometimes several times a day) that it’s the best remedy for that stomach-churning, soul -crunching fear that is oh so powerful, capable of knocking me into next year or sending me on a fruitless detour over and over and over.

Thanks for reminding me of that.