Who We Are Is Our Greatest Gift

Karen during our on location session in her home.

I stood in my way for a long time in relation to my photography career. I was afraid I wasn’t good enough and that I had to reach some unseen level before I shared my work. Even after being championed by a friend for years, I still didn’t believe I had what it took. I was convinced that my work wasn’t good enough. I realized what I was actually wondering was, “Am I good enough?” and when I dug further, it was really, “Am I enough?”

I think many of us question whether or not what we give is valuable and makes a difference. Especially now, with the ever-present comparison beast of social media and the tendency to question, "AM I ENOUGH?" it is imperative that we see ourselves for who we really are and what we offer.

In the midst of mourning the loss of 36 young artists to the Oakland warehouse fire, I found myself going back to this question of what we each offer. What is it that we each give effortlessly, and does it need to be more than simply showing up as who we are? As I read accounts from family and friends about their loved ones who tragically lost them, I saw a little light in all of the darkness and an answer to my question. Everything they did, from their art to their loving kindness, was a gift to those who loved them, and nothing was too small. What they gave didn’t need to be modified or bigger; it only needed to be authentic in its giving. They gave exactly what the world needed—who they were and will always be—to those who loved them, and this is the best any of us can do.

We touch one another every day in the deepest ways by offering our truest selves, our gifts, our laughter, a smile, our compassion, and our passion. 

There is true power in knowing WHO we are and that WHO WE ARE IS ENOUGH. It is our greatest gift to those around us.

I believe one of the most important responsibilities in this life is to listen to that small voice that drives and encourages us to offer exactly what we are meant to.

So whether it is your laughter, your song, your voice, your passion, your art, your shyness, or your empathy, offer it boldly and without reservation. We need you and who you are.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the beautiful souls who left us on December 2, 2016, in Oakland, CA.