“I’m Not Chasing Easy, I’m Chasing Growth and Purpose”

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I used to think growing up just meant getting older, like it would happen on its own without me really doing anything. A couple of years ago, I wasn't really focused, and I didn't always take things seriously. I cared more about the moment than what things could turn into later. But over time, that started to change, and a big part of that came when I joined LMC, or Lookout Mountain Conservancy.

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At first, it just felt like a job. Something to do, somewhere to be. But it didn’t take long for me to realize it was more than that. I started spending time around people who actually cared about what they were doing. They took pride in their work, and that kind of energy started to rub off on me. I realized that if I wanted to be taken seriously, I had to carry myself differently.

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Surrounded by motivated people made me reflect on myself and I started to notice the difference between just showing up and actually caring about what you do. This experience helped me understand that your surroundings can influence your mindset and being around the right people can push you to become a better version of yourself without even realizing it.  

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Working there taught me responsibility in a real way. Showing up on time wasn’t just about me anymore; it affected other people. Doing a job halfway wasn’t okay because it reflected on the whole team. Over time, I started pushing myself to do better without anyone having to tell me. 

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That's when I knew something was changing.

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This is where I began to hold myself accountable. I realized that my actions had consequences not just for me, but for everyone around me. Learning responsibility helped me build discipline, something that carries into every part of life, whether it’s work, school or personal goals. This was one of the biggest turning points in my growth. 

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I also became more positive. Before, I would complain or look at things as problems, but being in that environment helped me see things differently. I started focusing more on solutions instead of excuses. Even on hard days, I learned how to keep going and not let a bad moment control everything.

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Changing my mindset didn’t happen overnight, but over time, I became more aware of how negative thinking was holding me back. By choosing to focus on solutions, I started to build a stronger mental attitude. This change helped me become more resilient, meaning I could handle challenges better without giving up or losing motivation. 

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One of the biggest changes was becoming more of a leader. I didn't just want to blend in anymore; I wanted to stand out for the right reasons. Whether it was helping someone else, taking initiative or just setting the tone with my attitude, I started realizing that leadership isn’t about being in charge, it’s about how you carry yourself and how you affect the people around you.

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Leadership taught me confidence and responsibility at the same time. I learned that being a leader doesn’t mean you’re perfect. It means you’re willing to step up, help others and do the right thing even when no one is watching. This mindset will stay with me in the future because leadership is something that applies in every situation in life. 

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Looking back, I can honestly say I'm not the same person I was before. I've grown, not just in age but in mindset. LMC didn’t just give me a job; it gave me a different way of thinking and a better version of myself. And even though I'm still growing, I know now that change doesn’t just happen; you have to step into it and let it shape you.

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Reflecting on my growth helps me see how far I've come. It reminds me that change takes effort and time and it doesn't happen unless you're willing to improve yourself. This realization motivates me to keep growing and not settle for less than what I know I can become. 

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Even with all that growth, I realized something else about myself. I needed something that helped me slow down and really think. That’s when I got into photography.

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I’ve been doing photography for years, but I realized with my talent, I can take this to another level. At first, it was just taking pictures, trying to get the right angle or the right lighting, but over time, it became more than that. It became a way for me to clear my mind. 

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At the end of the day, I'm not trying to be perfect. I’m just trying to be better than who I was yesterday.

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Everything I've been through, every lesson from LMC and every moment behind the camera have shaped me into someone who actually cares about where he’s going to be in life. I want to build something real for myself, something I can be proud of. I want to be the kind of man people can depend on, someone who stays strong when things get hard and doesn’t fold under pressure. I know there will be challenges and times when things don’t go my way, but I'm ready for that. Because now I have the mindset, the discipline, and the drive to keep going no matter what.

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This isn’t just about where I am right now. It’s about where I'm going and I'm not stopping until I get there. This is just the beginning for me. My story is still being written and everything I've learned so far is only preparing me for what's ahead. I’m ready to continue growing, facing challenges and becoming the best version of myself. 

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This is just the beginning and I'm not chasing easy; I'm chasing growth. I’m chasing purpose. I’m chasing the life I know. I can build it if I stay focused and keep pushing. And no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets, I'm going to keep showing up, keep working and keep proving to myself that I'm capable of more.