“Every day is an adventure if you want to make it one.” While traveling solo in Europe in 2017, my friend Derek sent me a Jon Krakauer quote that included this phrase and it stuck with me since. Life is best lived with an ever-changing horizon, each day a new opportunity to engage with the beautiful wonders of this world: people, culture, nature, science, philosophy, sports… desire for experience creates an endless supply of passion and curiosity.
From a young age I knew that the carved out, beaten path would not fulfill me. I come from a community of high performing professionals where success looks like a big house and comfortable lifestyle. As I grew up, I noticed that material things and physical comforts didn’t correlate with fulfillment and happiness. This understanding allowed me to redefine what success really is and empowered me to take control of my path.
Identifying as ‘creative’ was a big step. I stopped saying “some day” and started taking action. I was drawn to the power of storytelling and documentary filmmaking after years of ignoring my inherent creativity. My professor (and also filmmaker) Olivier Morel recognized my genuine interest and told me that writing, filmmaking and storytelling are viable career paths. From there, I started freelancing as a photographer and videographer by joining a networking group and working for free on a few larger video and film productions. One thing led to another (I tell this story in ACP episode 50) and I ended up joining CreativeLive as a video and podcast editor. Learning from creators like Nasa Koski and Chase Jarvis leveled me up and continued to fuel to my fire.
I’ve always enjoyed deep conversations because they guide me into the present moment. After all, the present moment is all there is. Besides the pleasure of the conversation itself, I am fascinated by peoples’ stories. From perspectives on world events to stories about life’s highs and lows, there is never a shortage of things to talk about
Now I want to confess something. I used to tell myself stories that held me back. I probably still do, but maybe not as much 😉 I said I would carve my own path but I didn’t put in the work. I made excuses for why I “didn’t have time” or “some day I’ll start something for myself” blah, blah, blah. The first ACP episode with my mentor and friend @joel Johanesson took me 4 months to put out. Joel pestered me again and again until I finally had the courage to publish it. At the time I think 2 people listened to it, and probably shut it off after a few minutes. The blockade in my mind wasn’t warranted.
Through 49 episodes of ACP and more than 200 episodes as an editor with CreativeLive I’ve developed a mindset that pushes me forward rather than holds me back. I wake up each day with a purpose to keep inspiring, educating, and uplifting myself and my community. I enjoy exercising my creative muscles, I get incredible satisfaction from hearing that a piece of content elevated someone else, and I am going to continue doing ACP for as long as I love the process like I do now.
For episode 50 I join Matthew Collamer on the Mindful Creative Podcast to talk about my path and passions. We discussed a number of chapters in my life and I shared perspectives and stories at length and in full detail unlike the first 49 episodes of ACP. I had a blast talking with Matthew and I am stoked to share a bit about myself to celebrate 50 episodes!
If you’re still reading this, thank you for your support and your positive energy. I wouldn’t be where I am mentally and spiritually without you. Expect to see more ACP, more stories and more love in 2021. I appreciate being part of your journey and sharing this awesome experience together.
Kyle Huber 