Life the past few months

Wow. This year has taken me places physically and mentally. There were some deaths and I just gave up doing a lot. My mind wasn't in the right place. So, I just stopped. I recently decided "Forget that." I started taking every single opportunity to say yes.

I am powering through my Master's degree and that hasn't stopped me from working hard on my personal life. I joined some recreational teams, but I not that focused on that now. I started to just simply say "yes."

I was hanging out with a friend at a bar and my brother called me and said "Do you want to go to Canada?" I said "Duh, yes." Canada was a week ago and it truly was amazing. I saw murals, ate so much food, and did a lot of self reflection. I am still working with who I am. That small vacation pushed me forward and forward. I spoke up when I wanted to do things and just did things. One night at a karaoke bar, in French speaking Montréal, I did a beautiful version of "Holdback Girl." I am not a singer, but that didn't stop me from committing. 

A day later, I went to work and then went to a concert. SonReal and Jon Bellion were touring and I had to go. I luckily somehow managed to talk my way into getting invited onto SonReal's tour bus before the show. I got to listen to his new EP with him and two others. I must say, August 12th download The Name, it is going to make him famous. He was so incredibly nice and even more amazing live. 

Jon Bellion did not disappoint. He was an incredible performer. He didn't stop. His mixed of future adult theme Disney music kept the crowd going and not one moment of boredom. His presence was extremely in that moment. He made the crowd feel like this was the only stop on tour and he was there for them and with them. Not many performers can have that connection.

Yesterday, I took a bus from Philly at 6 am to travel to NYC to march in Pride with Moms Demand Action. This moment changed me. We can be a positive change and still have fun. I remained at the back of the group dancing the whole time. I got people to cheer and I got people to smile. There were moments like "I wish I had a white boy like him" that made me blush and made me smile. The whole tiring, crazy, beautiful, huge day was something that I am going to keep with me. 

This life is something not to mess up. Say yes, be the change. I am trying so hard to be better and build my resume of life, and going stronger. Here's to more yes and more life happening.

Oh, wow-11-8-15

So, I have a website now. This is cool. What am I going to do? I could say I am a lifestyle blogger, but that doesn't feel authentic enough. I could say I am a photographer, but who isn't these days? Fashion blogger, but I much rather wear clothes that look good on me and I feel comfortable in. So, where do I go? I guess an introduction?

Introduction:

I am John Michael; JM for short. I am a freelance, self taught, explorer, new transplant, and person currently living in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia has slowly stolen my heart. I work at a college currently in their marketing department. I am kinda just that guy that goes with the flow and posts then thinks. 

I enjoy shooting. I don't have a style, which allows me to create more and more. I recently did an engagement shoot. I told them to give me the ideas. This created such a fun working experience. I wasn't forcing them into ways they didn't feel comfortable with. They explored more and gave awesome feedback. It goes as one of my favorite shoots. 

So, I guess we are going from here. I am going to hopefully be starting grad school soon; which should be interesting/fun. I am so excited what the future holds.