Behind the bike shed things happen. Things that aren’t allowed or expected. Behind the bike shed people explore, as opposed to the school yard where normality and control remains in charge. As creatives do we concentrate on what is directly before us the majority of the time? Do we stay normal and in control to please those around us? Do we look to see what is obvious and easy to find? I know for a fact that that is often the case with my work, something I have to constantly guard against. If I only see what is on the road that I travel on what do I miss? If I follow another’s example and play it safe because it worked for them will I ever achieve my own direction and passion?
These photos were taken one road behind the road I travel on at least 2 or three times a week. I had to make a decision to venture off the beaten path…to go behind the bike shed to see what really is happening. Nothing shocking arose but I found some images that I haven’t made before.
This principle will apply to so much of your life if you allow it to. What does that button in photoshop do? You know, the one you are afraid of using because you don’t have a clue what it means…go on…try it…it might lead you astray into the unknown. What’s great about coming off the beaten path is that it takes you into that unknown territory. There might be bullies around the corner or maybe even a pot of gold or even some bullies guarding a pot of gold…There will be something there and it might be good or even awesome!
Stepping out into a new business, for example, is like dipping those toes into a stream. Before long you will have to wade out into the stream to see whether or not you will survive. This is off the beaten path. This is where things begin to happen in your life. You won’t be settled for long. Complacency will be shoved aside as you pursue the successful path ahead. That path will be full of weeds, dangers, but it is a path that you are forging! You will create and you will achieve. You will do the exploring and the discovering.
Go look around the corner. Push through into the weeds and allow the path of your life to be created. Rebel against the norm and come out stronger and more passionate about your life! Make that name for yourself. Don’t look behind you and see what went wrong. Look forward and keep going. Pick yourself up when you trip and fall, learn and carry on. Behind that bike shed never looked better…the weeds on the path ahead never looked more attractive! Smile and begin your life!!