Everyone faces hardships and challenges at some point in their lives, but some have it harder than others. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t overcome those challenges. Joshua T Meldrum is someone who found success in his passion and is now a well-known photographer. He is also a mental health advocate creating awareness of mental illness and empowering those struggling with mental health challenges.
Born in Massillon, Ohio, and currently living in Florida, Joshua has been passionate about photography from a young age. He recalls going for nature walks with his friends, and he was always keen on finding the best angles to capture the perfect moment. According to Joshua, photography is more than art; it’s a way to preserve priceless moments and tell nature’s stories.
To Joshua, photography is also his refuge. Struggling with suicidal ideation and emotional abuse, photography is what helped him remain focused and not give up on his life. Mental health challenges can have a significant toll on someone’s life. When nothing seems to be working, and everything feels too hard, it’s not unusual to feel frustrated. Joshua notes the stigma around mental illness makes it much harder to overcome mental health challenges as you feel unloved and lost.
According to the young photographer, he is grateful for the support his mother and friends have given him throughout his journey to conquer mental illness. However, he understands that not everyone is fortunate to have supportive people to walk with them on their journey. This is what inspired him to tell his story the best way he knows how – through the lens. He attempts to show those struggling with mental health there is light at the end of the tunnel and that they should keep pushing forward.
By telling his story, Joshua is also creating awareness of mental health and helping fight the stigma.
You can achieve everything you set your mind to, says Joshua. With a strong passion for photography, he embarked on a journey to fulfill his dreams and design his own path. He notes that even though he has faced challenges, his love for photography has been his biggest driving force.
His advice is to pursue your passion and wholly believe in yourself. Naysayers will always be present to criticize your ideas, says Joshua. However, you should never give up on your passion. When you believe in your work, attracting clients becomes easier.
Every problem has a solution. There will always be moments when you will feel like something is impossible. The trick is to find the right solution and sometimes seeking help will unlock the solution for you. In his words, the world is a better place because of the beauty and individuality each person has to offer. It’s okay to feel lost in certain stages of your life; however, do not let that define you. Turn to someone you trust.
As Dr. Robert Schuller once said, “tough times never last, but tough people do”. Although Joshua T Meldrum has faced adversities, he has always emerged stronger. His future in entrepreneurship is also encouraging; Joshua wants to start a real estate business and simultaneously grow his career in photography. Joshua tries to live by that quote and says it motivates him. No matter what he faces in life, it’s only temporary, and he will overcome whatever life has in store for him.
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