As he trekked along the steep mountain trail, Neil was filled with awe at the scenery that unfolded before him. He stood at the edge of a cliff, mesmerised by the sun rising slowly behind the mountains. So struck was he by the view, that finally, after what seemed like ages, he chose not to pay heed to the dull voice at the back of his mind, gnawing at him.
Taking his camera, Neil started taking pictures. “I hope the photos come out well. I will submit them for the photography contest,” Neil told himself.
“But what about the previous competition that you lost, Neil? You haven’t even heard back from any of the places you applied for the photographer position. You’ve even quit your well-paying job! What were you thinking? Your future, your career…everything is doomed.” The voice in his head kept getting louder and louder.
He once again turned his focus to the majestic valley in front of him.
And then he jumped.
Startled, Neil woke up from his sleep, drenched in sweat. He looked around his room in disbelief, not knowing where he was. Slowly, reality dawned upon him—quitting his job, pursuing photography, the fear of uncertainty. For months, his thoughts haunted him. But now, thanks to the strange dream, he finally knew what he had to do.
The next morning, Neil went trekking at first light. He found an edge near the crest, from where the valley looked deep and heavenly. He pulled out his camera and took a selfie with the morning sun in the background, and a huge smile on his face.
From that day onwards, every time his thoughts ran amok, he looked at the picture.
It was a picture of a person, brimming with joy, who not only wanted to follow his passion, but also live life to the fullest.