Leila,

Its an interesting puzzle you offer, and I can understand the tastelessness of a career that doesn’t align with our heart. Money is an odd system, pushing many beings into paths to sustain a life, but ends up consuming it. So busy working that hours, days, and lifetimes pass by without joy, without seeing the dreams of the heart blossoming. But don’t despair, dear sister, there is always a path to joy.

Consider that your passion isn’t money (which you know), or career (which you know), its tied into your empathy. Those pictures are beautiful memories, snippets and moments of joy and love. Of course that would be deeply, richly nourishing to your inner artist. She longs to express, to connect, to create, and sitting behind a desk pushing papers around in a world of politics and legalities can’t compete.

I wonder though, is law the problem or is the cases you’re working? I see lawyers that are self serving, making their mark through financial gain, political maneuvers, and self centric focus… but I also know many that use their knowledge and abilities for the benefit of others. The former end up miserable, or at least with a fragile happiness. The latter grow a joy that is unshakable.

Its your path, and a photographer, a lawyer, a teacher… none of those will bring you the peace you’re seeking. Its in the heartfelt pouring to others, the connecting, the giving that brings those dreams to life. Said differently, what medium you use to offer your love to the world is not as important as keeping your eyes open for opportunity to connect, help, grow.

Consider a different approach to your day. Instead of “where do I want to go with my life”, consider looking around for a need, and try to help meet that need. Small things, big things, it doesn’t matter. Here and now, your heart pulses with the yearning to create something beautiful, and it doesn’t matter if its planting a flower bulb, defending the downtrodden, taking a picture, enrolling in school… it only matters that you listen to that inner hope, and follow it home. Namaste.

With warmth,
Matt