In October 2006, I found myself asking the questions “What if I did a workshop for women that empowered and inspired their passion for photography? And it was for women only? What if we dug deep in to the basics and redefined Aperture with meanings that made sense, like a buttery, blurry background? How about a catered lunch and fun surprises, lots of laughter
Oakland, CA CONFIDENCE, 2010
and space for tears with no judgement, and we really filled these women up with all that we had? What if Brian and I did that? What would it look like? Would this photography workshop for women crash or take flight? What if we tried…”
Photo by thenewdiplomatswife, Washington DC CONFIDENCE, 2011
Over a decade later, thousands of women have found CONFIDENCE with their camera through our photography workshops. But most importantly, they have found new beauty and strength within themselves.
Scottsdale, AZ CONFIDENCE, 2011
The seeds the CONFIDENCE weekend planted have grown into lifelong friendships
Photo by pbkisses.blogspot.com, Orange County, CA CONFIDENCE, 2011
dream building with so many beautiful varieties of color and heart…it is hard for me to believe that it all started with the brainstorm of “What if…”
Photo by Kate Debow, Washington DC CONFIDENCE, 2011
Today is a celebration of all the wonder and beauty that has come the last four years after answering “What If”.
Is there a “What If” that knocks on the door of your heart? Is there a tug inside you that is asking to be explored? Do you resist following the unknown path because you can’t see what the destination would possibly be? Can I encourage you to take fifteen minutes today and try the below exercise of “What Ifs” that are breathing inside you.
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“What If” Exercise
1. Find a quiet space today. Allow yourself 15 minutes of uninterrupted time.
2. Write down a list of ten What If’s that have been rumbling inside you. Don’t think, judge, critique, edit, just write them down.
3. Number them 1-10 from your most favorite to least. A photography workshop for women was in my top three.
4. Write down one or two barriers that are keeping you from exploring your “What Ifs”. They could be things like; unsure of how it will affect my kids, no time, afraid of risking and failing, don’t know what the first step is, etc.
5. Now circle two What Ifs that seem to call to you. Even though you have your barriers listed, these two What Ifs won’t stop asking for your attention.
6. Write down ONE action you can take to engage you in the exploration of these two What Ifs.
7. Write down a date that you will commit to doing this action by.
8. Share this with a trusted friend. If you can’t think of anyone, you are always welcome to email me at info@fioria.us.
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My “What If” grew into much more than I could have ever imagined. It also led me to The Nate Berkus Show, hosting my Disney Junior show Capture Your Story, our family travel show Adventure Family, and stirred a whole new set of “What Ifs” inside me. But the process is always so scary because there is no guarantee that the exploration of your “What If” will lead to something solid, noteworthy. And yet, we never know until we try. We never know until we dare to look.
I first wrote this post in November 2012. Headed back to Seattle from NY for the second time in the last THREE days, I was finishing a whirlwind of travel. Everything in me needed to rest in the daily, rich routine of homeschool, walking the dog, riding my bike to yoga, and baking bread on Saturday morning. I let the powerful ebb and flow wash and restore me.
WHAT CONFIDENCE LOOKS LIKE
I’d also been looking for a photo that captured the growing confidence in my own heart. I’m not sure which one of the beautiful ladies at the Sacramento CONFIDENCE Workshop took this, but when I saw it, I smiled inside and said “Yes, that’s me with confidence. Not the forceful, aggressive kind, but the gentle, assured flow of a river that is full of life, wonder and belief in the impossible.”
As many of you know, in 2011 my “What If” sounded like, “What if I had a TV show that empowered and inspired moms and kids with their cameras?” I was incubating on The Nate Berkus Show in a wonderful way. I had no idea Disney was about to find me.
There is something powerful about voicing our dreams, writing them down and sharing them with a trusted friend. I believe these simple acts set our dreams free to start looking for opportunities unbeknownst to us even.
How would you finish the question “What if…”
xo,
m
CONFIDENCE: PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN
*For details about our CONFIDENCE workshop, CLICK HERE.
Me Ra, Envision yourself for where you want to be while you enjoy where you are. I say embrace the Public Figure while you celebrate the artist as well.
me ra – your courage, strength and confidence lights a path for so many… it reminds me, personally, that i am meant to shine too… that it is a beautiful gesture to life to live fully open and explore.
after just finishing my “morning writing pages” which in large part where filled with so many questions regarding my creative purpose directed at God… i opened up this post from you. He uses you to touch, move & inspire others… truly.
enjoy the ebb at home… much love to you and yours.
freida
Me Ra – I noticed the changes to your facebook page (the new profile picture and the links below it). I really like the new look! I think changing to Public Figure is a fantastic idea. You are such a wonderful person, valued by so many people. Not only are you a fabulous artist, but you empower others, bring light to the world and so much more!
Your post from Feb. 21 this year (A President’s Wife: What We Believe We Can’t Do but Must) completely changed my life. I did the exercise at the bottom and I can’t even begin to tell you what a wonderful road I’ve been down ever since. I truly thank you for that. I really feel in my heart that your dream of a TV show will come true and I can’t wait to watch it someday!
me ra. oh, me ra.
i see this as an “and”, never an “or.” artist AND best-selling author AND speaker and tv host AND AND AND. step into the public figure you already are, friend.
as for that exercise, my page is filled. can’t wait to share.
xo
Me Ra, thank you for sharing from your heart. It is somehow reassuring to see that even you have moments of fear or trepidation over changes.
At your May workshop, I remember saying I wasn’t sure I wanted to ever make photography a business, and even still I have so many fears over it. For the past three days I have been staring at a completed price list for my services, and yet not uploading them to my website. This would be the final piece I need to “go live” and launch my business, and I have been too fearful to do it… so I completely understand how even something small like changing a Facebook description can seem like a major shift.
The artist in you can never be separated or removed from what you are. Even before you were a photographer, you were an artist and craftsman with words. Changing your Facebook profile won’t change that, but I think it does mean acknowledging the influence and power you now have with so many people…and perhaps that is what is scariest for you? Just know that we are all your biggest fans, checking back here eagerly to see where God is leading you and rooting for you all the way 🙂
Me Ra,
From the first day I read your blog, I have always thought you were headed in this direction!! I know you have felt the call to inspire women and you DO that in everything you do!!
I agree with Ali’s comment above sooooo much… this is an “and” not an “or”…. you are both of those things along with many others!!
I have no doubt that you and Brian can make this dream and many others come true.
Much love and support to you!!!
Oh and I have a little “what if” that has been nagging at me for a while… I am a little scared to do the exercise because I think I will have to start getting serious about it!! Ack!!!!! 🙂
Go for it girl!
I have signed up for your Seattle Workshop in January, I am so excited!! I can’t wait!! I just started loving photography late last year, so excited to learn from you.
Me Ra, It was great to meet you at PDN last week. I was especially grateful that you took the time to chat with me and answer all my questions. You treated me like family!! As soon as I got home I bought your book for my daughter. She loves it!!
Hi Me Ra! I think any one of your followers will say absolutely go for it. But, you know you gotta listen to your heart like you’ve done in the past. So far so good, I’d say! One thing I have to point out is your charisma is just infectious. It is something that comes across almost immediately and it’s the reason why I became an avid follower of your blog since your first Nate Show. I had the privelege of attending the Sacramento Confidence workshop and again-you have got that certain something that just reaches out and touches people of all types. Not only are you a great teacher, but you’ve got a nurturing and healing spirit that really comes across. And did I mention you have an awesome voice. Seriously, it is warm, and just like a breath of fresh air! I think when you are truly ready, and do act on it, things will move into place to make it happen right on time! One thing I know for sure is, the wheels are in motion and you’ve already built a huge sea of women like me that will be eager to support you & take in the light you shine so brightly!
Thank you sooooo much for all your comments and thoughts. I value them deeply. I love that we are on this journey together. and I think it’s time to make that FB shift, and like you said Ali, extend the dream.
Still resting and trying to refuel after a demanding october. Hope you are finding pockets of rest too.
xo,
m
Change is made! GULP! 🙂
xo,
m
[…] as a finish line, I don’t know exactly where I’m headed. Does anyone really? With my list of What Ifs in hand, I know that I will put beautiful images into the world. I know that I will continue to […]