This is one of my favorite Steve Jobs quotes:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Life is indeed short, and we don’t know when our time will end. Later this year I will complete my 60th trip around the sun. I have worked in the same industry for over 39 years. I love what I do, and the place where I work. I have spent my days with amazing people, creating great products and services. Before Henny Penny, I spent several years at Hobart (which later became Premark, which was later acquired by ITW). I have always worked with talented people. I have been so fortunate.

Early this year my father passed away. To say that this has been difficult for me would be an understatement. I will always miss him and mom. Facing life head on, while considering your own morality changes your thinking. Life goes on. Hug those you love often, and follow your heart.

So what does all of this have to do with the quote above and me? I have decided to spend more time on my passion. Photography is what I love and where I find the most joy (outside of my family). I will be retiring from Henny Penny on December 31, 2017. I will not be laying around doing nothing. I plan to enjoy the passion projects that come in the form of photography and travel. I have this passion for technology as well, and I am confident that will be some part of my future. You can follow my journey at Tales Through Photos. If you really like the photos, you can purchase them as well. I also post tech related thoughts at rickcartwright.com

Teresa loves photography too, and she will be joining me on this journey. Her photos are beautiful and her passion for the art equals mine. She’s not retiring at this time, but I’m excited as we enter this part of our journey together.

You can always find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can always find us somewhere taking pictures of a beautiful landscapes and cool wildlife. We will be launching a facebook page for our photography soon, and sharing more photos. I’m not going away, just following my heart and intuition.

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

... your own inner voice