I once read that “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” As a photographer and most importantly as a human first, I’ve come to a point where existential questions play a crucial role in my daily life.

Last year I toured with one of my favorite bands, traveling with just my camera gear and a backpack. When I hit the road, I left a restaurant job in L.A. and after the tour moved north to Oakland. I followed my heart.

Taking action opened the door and changed my life. I have a deeper awareness for what it takes to live a fulfilling life. I devote most of my day to creating photography and dreaming up new projects that I am inspired to work on.

Many people’s generosity helped me along the way. There were also other thoughts and feelings that I consciously exercised in order to be where I am right now. Below I have shared those with you along with some of the street images I’ve captured recently. I hope this inspires you to kick start 2016 in a positive way.

Josué

Fear is Part of the Process

Anything is possible. You got to believe it. Our minds are one of the most powerful tools available to us. Fear is part of our human conditioning, our indoctrination. Because of our current cultural systems the natural reaction to facing fear is to back down and go the other way, but there is another choice. Feel it. Stand with it. Observe it and run with it. Fear is a friend who is misunderstood.

Manifestation is the Birth

Our imagination can create anything. Close your eyes and build what you want in your life. Write it down on a piece of paper and live as if it was already happening. By doing this you are shaping the way the universe reacts to your requests. You are like a radio with an antenna and by manifesting what you want a signal will be delivered to the infinite power available to you. Believe it and you will see it.

Trust Shapes the Journey

“Things are as they are. Looking out into the universe at night, we make no comparisons between right and wrong stars, nor between well and badly arranged constellations.” -Alan Watts

Exploring Broadens Perspectives

There are over 7 billion people living on planet Earth at this moment in time. Over 7 million different perspectives to look at any situation. One of the gifts of life is developing your own perspective. Your own set of eyes. Take pieces from other people and interpret them on your own. Explore.

Goals Challenge the Comfort Zone

Any goal, big or small is worth reaching. You are the director of the movie; you can go fast or slow. Some people will go for the big goals right away and others start small and gradually increase their goals. Either way you can experience satisfaction. Tell yourself “I did it.”

Maintaining the Balance

I believe the answers are in the center. They are within ourselves, and in our hearts. A lot of times we are fooled to believe we must gain and not contemplate. Race with each other and even race with ourselves. Take a break and connect with your surroundings. Sit on the ground and listen.

Connection is Strength

One of the most important (if not the most important) things I’ve done is try to connect with other people. Getting to know someone who is in the process of struggle teaches me to appreciate what I have. We all need someone to listen, without judgement. When I connect with another human I also ultimately connect with myself.