2025 08 14

You said it, man. Chicago, Illinois. May, 2025. © Clayton Hauck

This tag spoke to me, as I passed by in a hurry to get to one of my various side hustle jobs. I’m clearly doing too much. Spreading myself too thin. Whether this is the right decision or not, I don’t yet know, but it feels quite necessary if I want to stick with photography as my job (as I do).

This also reminded me of my friend, Don’t Fret. He unexpectedly passed away earlier this year and I don’t think I’ve fully comprehended the fact that he’s no longer here. Often, we focus far too much on moving, moving, moving. And not enough on Being Present, as he would advise through his art.

I worked long hours Monday thru Thursday this week. While stopping one morning to grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich at a Starbucks, before most other coffee shops were open, the scene was stark: The pickup counter was full of caffeinated beverages waiting to be picked up. I ordered at the counter, and while I waited for my cold brew, I watched an endless flow of human drones with sleep in their eyes walk in, grab their order, and head off into the workday.

Reminder: it is important to be present

-Clayton