Passion

When I think about passion I think about death. This is a very unique comparison, I know. I compare these two things because in order to have passion or be passionate about something one must be able to die to themselves to push out what is deep inside of them. The hardest thing I feel is for people to actually believe that they can do it. We hear about Tyra Banks and others who stepped out on limbs and did the impossible but yet our minds are still clouded. We feel that they have some marvelous power or awesome connects that got them to where they wanted, but that's not true. No one is made with super powers or marlouvs connects. These legends had to die to who they were to become who they are. Sometimes, well most of the time, we doubt ourselves or compare ourself to others and feel less, but why. They are humans just like you and me but what makes them different is they believe in thmseleves. Most people stop because of age,race,gender,sexual orientation, and religious background but these are things that make us, us. Without difference the world wouldn't be able to function. I, like everyone else, was afraid and still am about stepping put and daring to be unique and different. I was scared to take my first photograph, scared to do my first walk, scared of rejection, and scared to move. I grew up in the most conservative state, Indiana. Indiana offered no advancement in fashion or modeling. I was stuck working and to exist. I made excellent money but was money the only reason why I stayed, truthfully yes. I allowed money to hinder my dreams and talents. I had a deep love for fashion and being behind the camera. The outfit changes,the flashing lights, the flashy clothes, the rush I received when I got to do what I loved made me grow hungry. I grew hungry for a dream that I knew deep inside I wanted to make a reality. When was I going to stop setting back seeing people in magazines, on tv shows, and on the runway and not be apart of it. I refused to sit back and just take it, so I left. I moved to New York City, the place where I heard dreams actually came true. The hardest thing was leaving those who loved me, a relationship, money, comfort, and life to be broke but I was chasing my heart. I had to jump before a break could happen. I positioned myself to get my breakthrough. I went to New York, not knowing anyone. I had to grow and at the same time get my name out. I thought I knew all there was to modeling but little did I know I knew not a thing. I took my portfolio, which I thought was developed to a session with a photographer and he laughed. He told me my portfolio was dead and needed work. To myself I was pissed but what could I say. His portfolio was so widely arranged and great so being me I took on the challenge. I went a session with him a did everything he instructed me to do. I felt like a model for the first time ever but this would only change. We shot many times and then I got great images but they weren't enough. I later went a casting and was so ready to take over but to only get told, "No!" How could they tell me no, ran through my mind but that NO is what tiggered my mind and started my drive. I was told I was too large to be used in the city of New York and if I wanted to model I was to loose weight or give up my dream,quitting not me. Off to the gym I went. I become a vegetarian, I consumed low calories, I worked out twice a day and within a month and a half I became "industry standards". Finally I thought to myself. So I geared myself up and went after agencies. This was the biggest leap of faith I ever took. I heard, No once again but this time it was no because my portfolio was only body images. OMG I thought to myself but did that stop me, no! I went to photographers and snapped with clothes. Then again I sent things out and finally the Yes that changed my life rolled in. I sent my portfolio out and Chosen Model Mangement replied back. I was so amazed and later after doing research I discovered a lot of the leaders in the industry started with either Chosen for Men or what was first named Elite for Women. I was thrilled the only thing was it was in Atlanta but did that stop me, no. I made my way to the South and got my contract. Just think if I would've stopped I wouldn't got that, one yes that Tyra always talks about. Now, I'm living my dream which is all that matters. I didn't allow nothing to stop my drive. I finally got to my point to where I can show the world I have that, "IT". Just think if I stopped when I had all those road blocks I wouldn't be at this point. As I write now, Survior by Destiny Child, is blasting in my ears. We must survive. Have I arrived, no not yet but my start is now. I say to everyone following this blogg please stop and ask yourself,"What is my Dream and what do I have to do to get there?" Stopping will only prove to those you are a failure. Like many, I was teased for my dark skin growing up, my corse hair, my bad teeth and acne covered skin but what is funny the same people who teased me question me now. They send me inbox messages about how they can change their bodies, how to survive New York, how to become a model, their "crushes" towards me, and so on but now I just laugh it took all this to be liked by the "IN" people but that was then and this is now. So I say to you, use your flaws and prefect them. Use your talents and ask God to bless them and multiple them to reach the world. Use the No and force someone to say yes and make those who said No eventually say Yes. Don't stop because the fire gets hot, keep going. The harder you push, the greater you will go. I challenge you to write down one goal, put a deadline with, and go after it. I want to hear back feedback via the site Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/Modeljgoodloe Twitter:Epic_Jthemodel Email:BookingsforJared@yahoo.com I want to heat from all of you. Tell your friends about me and be apart of the movemeent. Until next time, I pray the power of God blesses you and you are inspired by my writings to reach where no one has gone before. I hope you leave out better than before and ready to take over the world. Until next time, stand in total bliss. Signed, Jay.