i was told that i could launch, if i only chose to try.

I’ve always wanted the world at my fingertips.

I’ve always dreamed that I was meant for something bigger.

I’ve often thought that I couldn’t do things, because fear of failure or of trying, stopped me.

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But I was told that I could launch, if I only chose to try.

I was told that I had the gifts to pursue the non-traditional.

I was told that I was a special gal.

& alllllll of those things are good, if not great…but you have to believe them internally for them to come to fruition externally. Right?

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Sometimes I wrestle with those things and sometimes, I catch myself doubting my abilities.

But now…I’m in a place where I know that I not only am capable of creating the life that I want, but that I WILL.

I have deep rooted passions for experiences that feed the soul.

I  find the sweetest joy in meeting and cultivating connections in the most authentic way.

I firmly believe that life should be captured & moments shared, as one pleases.

I know in my heart that these things make me happy.

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BACKSTORY:

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take some photos for a website that is going to launch on the 31st.

I was nervous as HECK. Like, so so nervous.

I put on a brave face, but man, I was hoping that I didn’t screw this thing up.

I mean, I love photography. I am by no means a technical photographer, nor will I say that I am, but I do wholeheartedly enjoy capturing moments. THAT, I can do.

So I drove myself to Royal Oak, camera and tripod in tow, and decided to give it my best shot — I’m my own worst critic.

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I arrived at the Office. It’s a quaint little co-working coffee shop with cute furniture, unique style, and plenty of charm.

STILL NERVOUS.

**Brave face Jordan. You like people, you like your camera, & you can turn dials until things turn out. DEEP BREATH**

P.S. Disclaimer:  It all turned out just fine.

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The website is called, Launchpad Planning. The founders, Grant and Pat, have created an 8-week program for young professionals to define their personal mission, master their finances, and develop habits to live out their purpose.

Which, as a young professional, sounds a lot like, HOW THE HECK DO I SIGN UP? Right? Right.

Naturally, I’m pumped for the purpose and eager to see how it plays out, but first, photos.

They went super well. People at the coffee shop were so accommodating, we got so many angles, worked with interesting lighting, and taught Pat how to smile without looking uncomfy. It was a great time!

But the night got better. We went to dinner and discussed life authentically, with so much care, and loads of encouragement.

We laughed, we poked fun at each other, and talked goals and dreams.

We ate really good pizza.

And at the end, those two superstars walked me to my car and bid me farewell.

I drove home on a high — like, here I was, given the opportunity to do something that I really enjoy, for people who have the need. There are no kinds of feelings that really compare with those.

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I carried that high with me until I was home. I furiously cranked through the hundreds of photos that I had taken, consumed with one of my favorite parts of the photo process: editing.

I churned out some damn good photos.

I was and am, hella proud of myself. I mean, LOOK AT IT.

and it got me thinking…

Why the heck have I not processed all of the photos that I have taken on trips? Why have I stopped myself from doing one of the things that I find so relaxing and gratifying?

SO, I did a thing. I created a new Instagram account solely for my photography and I am SO HYPE.

It’s for seeing the world as I see it, through the lens of design, architecture, and the power of human interaction and amazing experiences.

Give it a gander soon. I have some posts ready to go and I’m super psyched to share some of these experiences with you.

Look up: _theworldbyjo_

It’s going to 100% be full of things that make my soul happy and are super aesthetically pleasing.

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To Grant and Pat, thank you.

Thanks for giving me the nudge and opportunity to work with you on the website. This provided the perfect segway for me to get back into something that I love.

Thank you for listening, for learning, and for asking questions.

I know that if dinner is any indication of the level of commitment and thought put into the program, that Launchpad Planning will be an immense success. I am so excited to participate in the upcoming course, but I might be more excited for you to launch this thing that you’ve so lovingly created. January 31st is going to be a great day for the both of you.

To family and friends,

if you have questions about this really awesome program or these really awesome people before the site launches on January 31st,  I’d love to give you their contact information. I think that it will be a great opportunity for all who choose to participate.

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Man, I’m super stoked. I hope that you all get a chance to see some of these photos — they have been hiding on my computer for far too long.

All of my love,

xo jo