What do you want out of 2021?

When was the last time you pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone?

At the end of 2020 I realized I wasn't the same person I was when it began. (Ha, isn't that the truth for us all?!)

I felt my self-awareness grow, my mindfulness and practice of being present really sink into my being. 

Between meditation, conversation, therapy, community, journaling I knew I wasn’t the same person I was a year ago.

With these changes felt, I want to share with you my exciting new project. 

Every week for 2021 I will craft an image. A 52 Week Photo Project.

Committing to this kinda thing makes my palms sweat and stomach flip-flop, but my intention with this project, straight-up, is to 

PLAY. Create. Grow. Craft. 

All without judgement (eeek!) - fear of judgement, practicing letting go and taking imperfect action. All of these are incredibly difficult for me — especially, because I’m doing this project for myself and not for a client.

(Need me to do something for you!? I got you! Do it for myself?? Ummm, raincheck? Total Obliger, meeting external expectations easily, internal ones, not so much.)

I know and have seen firsthand though that when we create despite all of those fears, we touch more hearts than just our own. We make the eyes and minds of others grow just a bit bigger because we bring our individuals experiences to every interaction. 

So as I push myself out of my comfort zone each week, I invite you to think about how you could do the same. 

Maybe its beginning that project you've been meaning to start, but felt it "wasn't the right time". (Spoiler alert: it never is, you just gotta start). 

Or maybe you try a new technique, or style, or piece of equipment, or a different medium all together, and feel what it's like to be a "beginner" again. 

Whatever inklings you have sitting in your mind or body, I invite you to share them here in this space. Let this be the little bit of watering for these ideas to start blooming. 

The image in this article has pushed me so much already in all of those fears I mentioned earlier already and it's only the first week!! I will be posting some behind the scenes and more in-depth review of the making of it here in the community shortly. 

Until then, tell me, what do you want out of 2021? How will you push past your comfort zone?

For me, I look forward to nurturing this space with all of you, cultivating a community of photographers that lift each other up as we bring art into the world. Even the scary, "omg am I really doing this!?" art (which is what this project feels like for me LOL). 

Welcome to the New Year, friends. 

Sending you all so much love and I look forward to growing together. 

This post was originally shared and created for MT EDU, a community of photographers and artists who create from a place of emotion and connection. Want to be a member? Join us over at community.mariahtexidor.com.