Why
Honestly I don't really give a shit about photography... In the sense where camera equipment, shooting settings, composition, lighting, ego, etc and being all artsy comprises only a single % of what it is all about. I didn't get into taking pics because I wanted nice images or compliments, I got into it because I felt like I had important perspectives and introspective lessons from anecdotal experience that I believed from depths of my heart when shared in the right way could inspire, impact, or help another person. And seeing 1 person feel a connection or resonate with my message means 1000x times more to me than any compliment or accolade for pics (although, I appreciate all that as well).
Astronomy saved my life, as melodramatic as that sounds, it did: the peripheral aspects and efforts surrounding what goes into taking a picture- the emotion, the sadness, the frustration, the joy, the logistics, the creativity- are the other 99% of it to me and were/are huge catalyst for big change in many aspects of my life and a way to express a deeper part of who I am. I just pray that whatever all this is, that I can inspire others to pursue their passions, be unique, and be yourself because I've truly felt at times during my astrophotography that sense of being extremely authentic and whole, and the resulting joy- so everything in me wants to promote and facilitate that same exact feeling in others. One great way to measure your life is in terms of how much good and positive impact you can bring into other people's lives using your God given talents. Try to focus on the 'why' in your life, not the 'what'. Identify what IS your 'why' and the things bring you closer to it, we are all here for a purpose and I implore you to discover what yours is, part of mine I believe is to help you discover yours ✊