When time stands still. When all eyes are on you but calmness sweeps through the air. When a smile can turn your whole day around. Those were the feelings I had when I jumped in the Melbourne bay at the Docklands as part of the Photography Symposium hosted by Anie and Yervant. I had a two hour time slot to talk about my greatest passions. I chose to speak on vulnerability, taking risks, and following your truest path. It only made sense that at the end I would put my words into action by facing a fear and diving head first (or in my case, feet first) into my passion.

I love speaking to a group who is so willing to share their voice with the world. The group that I spoke to in Australia was open, vulnerable, and left their pride at the door as we all shared and hugged and told of our yet unfulfilled dreams. It was magical for me. So many hugs, so many tears, so much love. And the best part? So many pieces of inspiration to draw upon for the future.

All 140 of us gathered at the dock where I said I’d jump in. As I walked over it occurred to me that I had no idea what was in that water, how deep it was, or how I would get out. But none of that mattered the moment I pressed the shutter on my camera and I jumped. I was at peace. Peace was something I was hard pressed for that day. My grandfather passed away the day before. I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t want anyone to pity me that day. I just wanted to share my true self without anything clouding that. I was worried for my parents, I was sad for my sister who was with me on the trip, and my heart was heavy with a dozen other pieces of sadness that had washed upon my shore earlier in the month. But in that moment – supported by all those smiling faces – I jumped. And it felt so damn good.

Here is a behind the scenes video for the photo shoot, captured by Amie Lambert!