2026 02 14: Reach like a Tree

Nature’s fireworks. Chicago, Illinois. January, 2026. © Clayton Hauck

I have been nonstop lately. Too busy to post. We wrapped a one-night-only photo show last night at the studio and all I can think about this morning is how much time, energy, and work goes into these things we pursue without any promise of a payoff down the road. It really has to be for the love of the game or you risk driving yourself insane. I often find myself slipping towards resentment that things aren’t working as envisioned, or as quickly as desired.

Today is a quick reminder to myself that, like a tree slowly reaching upward into the unknown, my time in this life should be used enjoying the company of birds, a gentle breeze, and doing the things that I’m good at and most enjoy; not in a race to be the tallest tree on the block.

-Clayton