Whatever dream we may hold near and dear to our heart is uniquely ours. Nobody can really understand why we have this inspiration or desire to pursue a particular calling, gifting, or talent. So when the desire or yearning within just won't subside, no matter how far away you might distance yourself from the thought or idea; it might be time to take a second look, step out and find out.
It is not so much that we ought to “step out and find out” why we have such a burning desire for whatever gift, passion, or calling we may have in our life. It is where this process might lead. Maybe by pursuing or following this dream or goal in our heart, we could find that it leads us to our highest potential. Opening other doors and opportunities for growth and self- improvement.
This thought has only come about in the last month or so after realizing that, “Yes, I want to step out there and pursue modeling.” It is a passion that has developed with time. When I need an escape from reality. Doing one of my “test” shoots just to exercise and keep up to date. The experience is an opportunity to step into my imagination and give into artistic inspiration and expression.
But this reflective thinking or thought didn't just come so freely. It is where this thought stems from what sparked this reignited desire to give into my dreams. Sincerity, I was blindsided and did not see this coming. Not on the calendar and still trying to process it.
It all began with what happened in May 2022 that set me back on this path. It was “commencement weekend” down in the beautiful city of Valdosta, Georgia. To prepare for commencement, I decided to get my nails done. Typically, I like to scoop out businesses that want and appreciate my business before hand. In return, can expect to receive quality service.
The day before I struck gold in the hair department- another rare occurrence. Fingers crossed and hoping for the best…. let's just say it happened...Let It go and move on. But that's just the thing. I couldn't just let it go.
The situation had me so worked up that even after commencement; I thought about it and looked at my hands and feet and feel - cheated. In other ways, violated. “How could they charge for a full set manicure?” The thought that would go through my mind. For a full set manicure, you have to glue on fake nails.
And to top it all off while the nail tech was polishing my nails, he inconspicuously (at least he thought that's what he was doing) slipped his phone out of his pocket, put his camera on and began recording my hands the whole time. While sheepishly grinning in my face as if to say I didn't know what he was doing.
In the days following the incident, thinking of having to pay for a full set, when all the nail tech really did was polish my naturally long nails to appear as if he had glued on fake nails or French tips(see image above). It was in this moment of feeling cheated and frustrated that in my research on tort laws or Georgia's Video Recording Laws and what I would do if I saw my hands anywhere on the internet that I got inspired.
Maybe there was something good in all of this “mistreatment” that I had endured at the hands of this nail tech. Taking it all into consideration and the facts already shared in my previous post. It would take an arm and a leg to pay off my student loans.
The more I thought about it, the less I gave into the negative thought and saw other possibilities. By recording my hands, that nail tech might have posted the footage somewhere online across the airwaves of Southeast Asia. Someone might say, “speculation” but my instincts says, “overruled” in the courts of actuality. I mean, why else would someone randomly record a stranger's hands?
It was in silence that I paid for their service and the tech could not look me in the eye to take my payment. After seeing the shock on my face as he said “full set” as I am standing there looking at my bill. But, hung his head as I handed him my card, politely smiled and walked away.
His concision was bothering him, at the very least. Integrity, like a smile, is the same in every language. So, “Me no speaky English.” is no excuse. The tech could barely lift his head to meet my gaze, as he give back my card.
After thinking about it in deep reflection. You realize, if someone else can not only over charge for trimming and polishing your natural nails but in return potentially make a profit off images of your hands (without your consent), maybe you should put your hands to work. I mean - Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth - Proverbs 10:4.
So, it was from this incident, this “mistreatment” or being taken advantage of, or whatever way you look at it, you see that maybe you have been overthinking or overlooking this dream in your heart for far too long. Perhaps it's time to put one foot in front of the other and take a leap of faith. Try it out and see where it leads.
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