#frame25

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes  Featured Submission

Deborah

For six years I worked 14 hours day, commuted 3 hours a day,  didn’t take a vacation, didn’t put me first and I defined myself by my job. I had a cell phone stuck in front of my face and just ignored the fact that life was passing me by. I was exhausted and mentally drained and I lost who I was along the way. My Mitty moment came in the form of a massive layoff and a heartbreak(at the same time). Out of work for the first time in 10 years, I had to something out of my comfort zone to shake off  the horrible summer and the funk I was sinking into. Within 3 weeks of the layoff, I booked a 3 country (Spain, Israel, France) solo trip abroad. I was scared, as I had never travelled abroad alone. As insecure as I was, I took a leap! During my 20 day adventure, I met my father’s family for the first time, a trip I had put off my entire life. I almost got kidnapped in Jerusalem, but somehow joked my way out of it. While in Paris, I was invited into the kitchen of the number 12 restaurant in the world because of my smile and energy and many, many more adventures took place. I came back to Los Angeles a truly changed person. I regained my confidence, and reclaimed who I truly am as a person. I no longer define myself by my job. I define myself by the relationships I have, how I treat people and the experiences I am a part of.  I have now truly #LetLifeIn .

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes  Featured Submission

Trent

In November 2012, my wife and I suffered a miscarriage. I quickly felt myself descend into depression and as close to madness as I've ever felt. Instead of sinking into despair and never coming out again, I decided to change my life for the better and start training for a marathon. Along the way, my family joined me (for races and for support). I feel that together we were able to overcome as a family.

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes  Featured Submission

Tonilyn

Story: The depths of life - I've gotten to know it fondly. There is a fire inside me that burns a trail I must follow. I find this fire through living in the new and unknown. Always trying new things, exploring new lands, staring into new eyes. For me, there is a broad excitement for fear. I have jumped out of planes, off bridges, walked the lands of new countries alone, immersed myself into a world with a language barrier, kayaked in the sea, raced motorcycles, and the most frightening yet - been vulnerable. Does this mean that nothing scares me? No. I'm frightened constantly, but there is no greater feeling than overcoming that. This is how I let life in - I take risks, sometimes I fail and I fall, but I continue. It's the rowdy that thrive and I plan to continue the riot around me.

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes  Featured Submission

Tabitha

I was raised to be afraid of everything. Once I started to find my own way I realized the things that are the most important and life cultivating are only found once you open up and become vulnerable. I am up for literally everything now. I'm no longer afraid of who I am but relish every moment. This movie echoed my own story back to me. I have had many obstacles. But I am loved and I love. I learn as a life philosophy. I want to change the world. I never want to be that scared little girl again. In order to let life in you must be vulnerable and courageous. I don't want to waste another day, not being those two things.

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes  Featured Submission

Stacie

It's very simple. I was tired of sitting on the sidelines. Tired of being scared to put myself out there. Not anymore. I'm chasing my dreams now. I've lost weight, gotten healthy and now I inspire others to chase their dreams. To realize that whatever they want is possible. I'd love to have the chance to visit Iceland and visit the places your captures so beautifully

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes  Featured Submission

Romina

I just turned 26. My parents have both lost their jobs and I am pursuing a creative dream in Hollywood. I alone struggle to keep our household afloat since I am an only child. We are a happy family and have always been very close, the three of us. But regardless of not having the funds, my mother has never lost her sense of travel and desire to explore. I got that from her. We travel together and because of them I have learned so much about this planet that we call home. Now as an adult, I want to carry on their legacy. I explore with the smallest budget possible and have learned to travel comfortably with what I have. The photo I am submitting is of my reaction after seeing a grey whale up close in Baja California. On this trip, I got to see these animals and even touch them in the wild thanks to my parents. I document everything I see either through video or photo and share with my online community. This is my life.

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes Featured Submission

Robin

After an eating disorder, an abusive relationship, and giving all of my remaining energy into keeping my suicidal friend alive. I stopped trying to be everyone's friend and finally started being my own friend. I stopped letting other people tell me what i should look like, i stopped feeling bad about being myself, and I started fighting for the life I wanted to live. A life where I felt good, or sad, or weird, or passionate, because that is life and being human. I started living for myself, my imperfectly perfect self.

Find Your Frame 25 Sweepstakes Featured Submission

Nikki

I am a traveling photographer and videographer. I grew up in small town Wisconsin and having never traveled much growing up I was starting to feel restless. So, after graduating college I drove cross country by myself to Portland, OR without a job or place to live. That whole experience was by far the most challenging and rewarding experience I've had. I have learned so much about myself and have total trust in the kindness of strangers.