better stories for a better world.

We all would agree that people are happiest and most productive when they are doing something they love. That they are putting out more good into the world when they are gaining good on a daily basis. I think we would all agree that we want that for ourselves, that we don’t want to go on day to day living through life but not truly being alive and living out our passions in the world. I mean, truly, what do we have on earth other than our time and talents? If you feel like I am speaking directly to you.. then maybe I am. My heart is heavy for people who live out their days in fear of going after what they were made for, people who spend more time doing tasks they hate than providing the world with the thing they were meant to provide and giving themselves for the betterment of the world.

“You see, our weirdness is not a curse.
It’s a gift.
A gift, that when leveraged properly, will make our world a better place.
We need to be inspired.
We need to be motivated.
We need to be given reasons to buck the status quo and live differently.”

-Jake Kaufman, from his e-book “Oh The Stories We Tell”

I got this e-book, that released just a few days ago and read it cover to cover (okay, its only 40 pages). It took me back to October 2010. Analeigh, my little girl, was 7 months old and I had been working near full-time at a grant position (working from home while caring for a newborn) and building Allie B Photography, shooting eight weddings that first solo wedding season, from the time Ana was 5 weeks old. I hated it. I never felt settled, always felt rushed and guilty and was being a lackluster photographer/business person and a stressed and overwhelmed mom. I was not great at anything but instead mediocre at EVERYTHING and feeling miserable. I never had a passion for my grant job, even though I was great at it and it was good money! I feel very blessed to have had the job for the time I had it, but something was clawing at me. The business was growing, the baby wasn’t sleeping through the night and my head/heart was about to explode.

So, I did what any wife trying to kill her husband would do.

I quit my job.

Okay, so I wasn’t TRYING to kill him but I won’t soon forget the “that’s so not a good idea” look on his face.. but the decision had been made and his full support followed, I mean, this whole photography business thing was prodded by him in the first place, when he bought my first camera for me. The tugging at my heart wasn’t going to stop until I pulled the plug on the things that were wasting my time. I tried to put in a notice for the next month, but was told to just go ahead and go on. So, with rejoicing and also paralyzing fear, I turned in all my stuff and walked away from a job that had provided so much security during my pregnancy and while Ana was just tiny.

I felt so relieved though, and my passion for photography now had been given the gift of my time and attention and it wasn’t long before I knew it was the best decision I had ever made. (behind marrying Tim and having miss Ana) Through it all I have learned to lean on my trust and faith in God’s plan for my life and that if this is indeed what I am to do with the days I have been given on earth, than they Lord will provide me with enough clients and business to float and when the time comes to not do it anymore, the client’s will not come and I will be carried off to whatever is next.

If that last statement made you uneasy, then realize that I don’t believe I really have much of a say in it anyhow, so I might as well enjoy the ride. (cue the raised eyebrows.) Honestly, what can we do but find a way to happily live out the life in front of us with passion and clinging to the promise of what is to come? I have to believe that the sufferings of this present time are nothing to be bothered with in comparison to what is to be revealed to us! (Romans 8:18)

I believe that anyone who ardently pursues the passion laid on their hearts will prosper and find peace in it. And I loved Jake’s book for being such an unpractical, practical guide to chasing things that matter.

I have gotten wayyyy off topic in reviewing the e-book Jake wrote.. but thats me. I feel kindred with Jake in the way we have both given in to the callings on our hearts and even though some people probably think we are crazy, we believe in the prospering of our lives when we pursue our dreams with the bigger picture of a better world in mind.In finding higher levels of peace and happiness, and bringing others into the same realm of peace and happiness for themselves, whatever that looks like. We embrace our weird, our different.. and encourage others to do the same. And with that, I hope that you will go grab the FREE e-book “Oh, The Stories We Tell” by Jake Kaufman and allow it to open your heart and mind to pursuing what it is you are feeling called to do, to live a better story for a better world and to believe that it is possible, and worth every sacrifice.

Here is what Jake says about the book and how to get it!

“This is a book for those who dream about living in ways that matter; ways that make impact, generate influence, and unlock potential. I believe that it’s a book for everyone, but especially if you are:

• Seeking more adventure in your life than a day job.
• Given up on “the dream” and have moved on.
• Trying to chase your dream, but don’t know where to start.
• Ready to risk and ready to fail.
• Have been living out your dream for years.
• Feel like something is missing in your life.
• Ready for what’s next.
• Hopeful for a better world.
• Tired of this old world.
• Don’t even know what a dream is anymore.
• Close to giving up and walking away.

Oh the Stories We Tell is a book to help you uncover your awesome; to help you discover what you’re destined to become, and empower you to start living like it matters.

And, did I mention that it’s free?! You can get the book one of two ways: 1) subscribe to my blog via this LINK. This is the best and quickest option. 2) ”Like” my page, Jake Kaufman Stories, on facebook.

 

 

 

xoxo,

 

allie