INSPIRATION

What Are You Waiting For?

What Giving a TED Talk taught me >
Recovering From Burnout >
The Time I got Fired >
check these out:

8 Keys to a Successful Photography Business

Get the guide

Learn what goes into building a thriving photography business in my FREE guide.

Hi, I'm Erin!

I am a photographer passionate about the outdoors, meaningful travel, creativity and intention in all things. I hope to use my platform online to show the beauty and complexity of the world we live in, and to encourage genuine connection to the world and all the magic within it.

The Photo Series that Went *Viral*

AS SEEN IN

GET ON THE LIST

Wanna keep in touch? Subscribe to get notes from me in your inbox.

Add some wonder to your space

SHOP PRINTS

On my recent road trip, I spent a lot of time talking to retired people. Maybe that’s not how you thought this article would start, but let me tell you why.

They’re the people who are always on trips. They’re not working, they don’t have to take care of their kids anymore, and they are able to put their daily responsibilities on hold for a little while. They’ve saved the money, planned where to go, and decided to do it. So at most National Parks, it was the retired folks… and me.

We talked about a lot of things. Their families, their trips, their RVs. Many of them asked me what I was doing and why I was alone. They all told me one thing:

“It’s so great that you are doing this now!”

They all told me some version of how they waited 40 years to do their trip– how life got away from them. How time moves quickly. How suddenly you wake up and you’re 65.

They all told me– that now is the time to do it. How it’s so good that I’m not waiting.

What is that thing you have always wanted to do?

Is it quitting your job to travel the world? Is it telling someone you love them? Writing a book? Starting a website? Learning to paint? Running a marathon?

We are really, really good at convincing ourselves that it’s not the right time. We are also really good at convincing ourselves that someday will be the right time. We wait for the weekend, for a raise, for things to fall into our laps. We think there will come a day when we’re 100% ready, when it’s comfortable, and when it is “right”.

Comfort doesn’t exist here. There will never be a risk that doesn’t intimidate or scare you.

What is even more uncomfortable is thinking about how long we’ve been putting off our dreams. If you’ve been saying you’re going to write a book for two years and have done nothing about it, confronting that sucks. It doesn’t make you feel fulfilled or proud of your productivity or achievements. It makes you feel like you somehow haven’t been true to yourself. It stirs up a lot of shame, rejection and self-doubt.

We then do whatever we can to avoid the bad feelings that come with confronting the dreams we’ve put aside. We distract ourselves. We binge-watch something on Netflix and continue to put off that thing. We lock the idea of it away because doing so is easy; it involves no risk. It doesn’t rock the boat.

Immediately forgive yourself for putting off your dream.

Because you are human, you understand: life gets in the way. We make excuses for ourselves all the time. Let that go.

Forgive yourself for who you are and whoever you’ve been in the past. Are you putting off that thing because you’re afraid? Forgive yourself for that and for the mistakes you might make when you do start following your dream. No person who pursued their passion did so without failure. No person who pursued their passion did so without risk.

Do you really want to do that thing? It’s okay if you don’t anymore. It’s okay to change your mind. You’re not handcuffed to any idea that only exists in your own mind. But if you do want to do it, why not start now?

None of us know how much time we have here. If there is something you’ve always dreamed of doing, start the process today. You will always be able to find a reason not to.

Stop waiting for the right moment. Stop waiting for a promotion. Stop waiting for someone to go with you. Stop waiting for it to feel comfortable. Stop waiting for things to line themselves up. Stop waiting for a safety net.

The right moment doesn’t exist. The right moment is whenever you decide it is.

You will never feel comfortable. You will never feel completely ready. The stars will never align exactly how you always hoped they would. That perfect timing will never fall right in front of you. It is up to you to decide if and when you should do that thing– the thing you’ve always wanted to do.

What are you waiting for?

Please ignore this text box - Recoleta Font

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

  1. Marcie says:

    This is so well stated and undeniably true. Sharing!
    ps. Stunning imagery on your IG. Lovingly following.

  2. Claire B. says:

    Amazing post – I needed this today. You are completely correct: the stars never align completely, and this is totally okay. I look forward to exploring more on your blog! It is so inspiring/refreshing to read from someone who is living their dream and pursuing their passion. I love seeing your pictures on Instagram as well!

  3. Mikel Bikel says:

    My biggest dream is the hike all of the Pacific Crest Trail. However I can’t get enough time off work to do that and I can’t really quit because I’m in the military lol. So I’m just waiting until I get out to do that.

  4. Kathleen says:

    So inspiring Erin. Thank you!

    That “thing” for me is having a regular yoga practice. I took my first Bikram Yoga class back in 2010. I felt amazing and couldn’t wait for the next class. I kept up with it for a month until I went back to school. Then life got in the way of me practicing on a regular basis – school, work, not having enough time or money, not living close to a studio, blah blah blah.

    Three months ago, I said enough was enough. I picked up my on-again-off-again yoga practice and took it to the next level.I completed a 30-day challenge and signed up for yoga teacher training. I start on 2/24! I even made my own yoga blog come to life. Now maybe that next “thing” will be to quit the corporate life and travel/teach yoga? I’ll keep you posted.

    • Hey Kathleen! So glad you did it!! Sounds like you have found the right path for you, and it looks like writing will be a wonderful part of the process as you go through teacher training as well. Awesome job so far!! 🙂

  5. Cristen says:

    This was such a well written, honest, guilt-free, common sense filled, encouraging post. It was exactly what I needed to read today. It fits perfectly with some things that I am trying to work through at the moment. It’s exactly as you said, there is no perfect timing. We just need to choose to live our one wild, precious life,

    • SO glad to hear that Cristen! We have to find the balance between being compassionate with ourselves AND not accepting our own excuses. The choice to live our one life is so beautiful and important. xo E

  6. J Bradley says:

    So beautifully true!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

load MORE >

load MORE >

Well don't stop there

Read My FavORITES

Hey, I'm Erin.
It's good to see you.

If you’re interested in travel, the outdoors, artistic expression, or want to learn more about photography, you’re in the right place. I’m an adventure trip leader turned photographer, passionate about learning & sharing the real stories from the places I visit (real or imagined).

MORE ABOUT ME 

PHOTOGRAPHER, ADVENTURER, artist

Pricing & Negotiation Bundle

check it out

 Top Resources

My most popular downloadable resource for photographers and artists– to help you figure out what to charge, why, and how to communicate your rates.

Media Kit & Pitch
Deck Bundle

check it out

Are you happy with the portfolio you have built so far, but aren't exactly sure how to present yourself or your ideas to prospective clients? This is for you.

Follow along on Instagram (and everywhere else) at @erinoutdoors. See you there!

Home
Work with me
About
The Blog
courses
resources

© erin outdoors 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms & conditions | SITE CREDIT

Portfolio
Contact

Stories from the road and the trail.

Get on the List

Wanna keep in touch? Subscribe to get notes from me in your inbox. I send updates, encouragement, stories, and other treats I think you’ll enjoy.

WATCH MY TED TALK:
DOES PHOTOGRAPHING A MOMENT STEAL THE EXPERIENCE FROM YOU?