Help Each Other or Go Nowhere

In the blogging world, there are literally thousands of people who are trying to get a piece of that blogging pot...LOTS! Some people network to gain exposure and meet like-minded people.

That's definitely what I did when I first started.
I had to let people know my brand and I exist.

But something clicked for me...

The problem with this is there's a thin line between genuine support and the "I support you because you support me" type of support. It's rare that people help just for the sake of helping.
As messed up as it sounds, it's reality.

It's a competitive field and I'm not fit to be in it...

...because I'm not competitive

I think one should only compete with themselves and not with other people. You know, just to give yourself a little nudge and make yourself work harder. Competing with others is counter productive because that only leads to disappointment. We all came from different backgrounds and we all evolve differently so it's really no competition there.

Your success or lack of it shouldn't affect anyone else's.

We live in a world full of people who are oblivious to what really make one successful. Most people have an "each man to himself" mentality and that's not going to make anything move along.

Not everything has a price

Support where you feel necessary.
Admire what truly inspires you.
Help because you believe the cause.

It's really that simple.

Help because you want to, help because it makes you feel better and help because it makes you a better person. Also, keep in mind that help is a contagious gesture and it will always come back. So keep yourself open and if someone needs you, go on and help. Just be careful with those who abuse your help. I know those types can kill your 'helping vibe' but don't let it.

Speaking of helping and supporting, all the photos you see here are taken by Jacklyn (scroll down for her 411). I met her earlier this year, I believe, and we've been friends ever since. I say "friends" because it's genuine and I enjoy our times together. Yes, that includes her fiance, Brian. They're just a fun loving couple and the vibes remain positive.

When she posted that she needed to add more photos to her portfolio, I jumped right in. Yes, I know my photos will come out fantastic but that's not why I did it. I want the few people who follow me to see her skills... and she got dem skills!!
I want her to flourish as a photographer because that's her passion. It would make me extra happy to see her get more clients and for her photos to be all over Instagram. #truestory

MEET ASHLEY JACKLYN

Ashley Jacklyn is a 25 year old photographer based in Jersey City. She has been shooting since the age of 18 and enjoys collaborating with fellow creatives that she meets on social media. What differentiates her from other photographers is that she also is a fashion blogger and mental health advocate who shares her personal stories of living with a mental illness on her blog.

Instagram: @JACKLYN.LUNE | Website: Jacklynlune.com