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Fine Art photography, fine art photo prints, canvas, wall art, macro photography, Spain

Creativity Personal Stories

A life lesson from playing chess

November 12, 2024

Since I was a kid, I perceived playing chess as something special, reserved for extra smart, with excellent logic and the ability to foresee 20,30,40 moves ahead.

I was afraid even to try playing chess. I thought I was not enough, not smart enough, with not enough logic presets in my brain.

playing chess art

The reality is all those “not enoughness” fear thoughts were just thoughts resulting from 0 (zero) experience of playing chess. After playing several games, the rules seem easy; the chess board looks familiar.

Once I put my mind to learning to play chess, listened to instructions, and tried playing chess several times, it no longer seemed reserved for extra smart. It’s just a game that anyone can learn and become an expert by practicing it.

The same patterns apply to many other life activities.

Very often, fear that stops you from trying new things: starting a new job, opening your own business, launching a podcast, moving to a different place, traveling solo, trying a new personal style, changing mindset, etc. is based on zero experience.

“Not enoughness” has nothing to do with that.

playing chess at home

What’s the way out?

Just start it! Just do the very first step.

have fun playing chess

You can press the continue button once you start, but not the other way.

You can learn, acquire new knowledge, practice and get the desired experience.

The beauty of life is not stored in a comfort zone and doing everything out of habit, but rather feeling comfortable while doing uncomfortable things, the ones that make you grow and evolve.

Confidence will come with every new step you make, moving out of your comfort zone, and exploring the unknown.

Happy business week or if you are reading this article on Friday, Happy weekend!

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Elena Sullivan

Hi, there! I’m Elena Sullivan, a fine art photographer, and creative adventurer. My first joyful experimentation with a camera extended into a passionate relationship where harmony represents a constant flow of elegant devotion. I follow my intuition and curiosity in search of eternal connections in nature, then use my camera to reveal it and share it with you! Every of my photo is curated with love and artistic excellence.

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Hi, I’m Elena, a photographer, creative adventurer, and the voice behind this lifestyle blog. Here you’ll find a mix of colorful style, travel notes, recipes, art, and little joys that make everyday life feel brighter. I love sharing ideas and info that feel both useful and inspiring, always elegant, approachable, and real.

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Somewhere along the Costa del Sol, between the sea and the mountains, sits Estepona, often called the “Garden of the Costa del Sol.”�And it truly lives up to the name. The old town is lined with colorful flower pots, bright streets, and carefully kept corners that feel both intentional and authentic. It’s one of those places where beauty feels intentional. Over the years, Estepona has blended its traditional Andalusian charm with seaside promenades, art murals, and open-air sculptures,  while still holding onto its fishing-town roots. You can feel it in the relaxed plazas and in the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Estepona blooms not only in its streets, but also on its plates, fresh, local, simple flavors that perfectly end a day by the sea.
#Spain #Estepona #travel #foodlover #visitspain
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Somewhere along the Costa del Sol, between the sea and the mountains, sits Estepona, often called the “Garden of the Costa del Sol.”�And it truly lives up to the name. The old town is lined with colorful flower pots, bright streets, and carefully kept corners that feel both intentional and authentic. It’s one of those places where beauty feels intentional. Over the years, Estepona has blended its traditional Andalusian charm with seaside promenades, art murals, and open-air sculptures, while still holding onto its fishing-town roots. You can feel it in the relaxed plazas and in the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Estepona blooms not only in its streets, but also on its plates, fresh, local, simple flavors that perfectly end a day by the sea. #Spain #Estepona #travel #foodlover #visitspain
2 weeks ago
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Located between the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves, Istán is a small white village with breathtaking views over the valley and the coast beyond.�To get here you follow winding mountain roads that already feel like part of the experience.
Often called the “Spring of the Costa del Sol,” Istán is known for its fresh mountain water, Moorish roots, and peaceful rhythm of life.�Stone streets, whitewashed houses, and the sound of water flowing through the village make it feel timeless. #travel #spain #malaga #visitspain #spain❤️
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Located between the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves, Istán is a small white village with breathtaking views over the valley and the coast beyond.�To get here you follow winding mountain roads that already feel like part of the experience. Often called the “Spring of the Costa del Sol,” Istán is known for its fresh mountain water, Moorish roots, and peaceful rhythm of life.�Stone streets, whitewashed houses, and the sound of water flowing through the village make it feel timeless. #travel #spain #malaga #visitspain #spain❤️
2 weeks ago
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One of my favorite ways to understand a town is through its municipal market. It’s where you’ll find authentic Spanish food and fresh fish, local cheese, olives, and seasonal veggies, all in one place. If you want to experience Spain beyond restaurants, this is where to begin. #spain #travel #foodie #spanishfood #marbella
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One of my favorite ways to understand a town is through its municipal market. It’s where you’ll find authentic Spanish food and fresh fish, local cheese, olives, and seasonal veggies, all in one place. If you want to experience Spain beyond restaurants, this is where to begin. #spain #travel #foodie #spanishfood #marbella
3 weeks ago
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Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than 2,800 years of history layered into its streets.
The Cathedral rises above the historic center, known locally as La Manquita, unfinished, yet deeply loved.
As you walk through the old town, balconies, sculptures, and worn stone facades tell quiet stories from Roman, Moorish, and Andalusian pasts.
Everyday life here is just as important as history: handmade pastries, local ice cream, and small shops keeping traditions alive.
The streets stay lively,
filled with conversation and movement,
until the day naturally ends when people gather
at tapas bars, sharing fresh food, wine,
and laid-back moments.
#Spain #travel #visitspain #malaga #foodie
•
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Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than 2,800 years of history layered into its streets. The Cathedral rises above the historic center, known locally as La Manquita, unfinished, yet deeply loved. As you walk through the old town, balconies, sculptures, and worn stone facades tell quiet stories from Roman, Moorish, and Andalusian pasts. Everyday life here is just as important as history: handmade pastries, local ice cream, and small shops keeping traditions alive. The streets stay lively, filled with conversation and movement, until the day naturally ends when people gather at tapas bars, sharing fresh food, wine, and laid-back moments. #Spain #travel #visitspain #malaga #foodie
4 weeks ago
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Somewhere along the Costa del Sol, between the sea and the mountains, sits Estepona, often called the “Garden of the Costa del Sol.”�And it truly lives up to the name. The old town is lined with colorful flower pots, bright streets, and carefully kept corners that feel both intentional and authentic. It’s one of those places where beauty feels intentional. Over the years, Estepona has blended its traditional Andalusian charm with seaside promenades, art murals, and open-air sculptures,  while still holding onto its fishing-town roots. You can feel it in the relaxed plazas and in the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Estepona blooms not only in its streets, but also on its plates, fresh, local, simple flavors that perfectly end a day by the sea.
#Spain #Estepona #travel #foodlover #visitspain
•
Follow
Somewhere along the Costa del Sol, between the sea and the mountains, sits Estepona, often called the “Garden of the Costa del Sol.”�And it truly lives up to the name. The old town is lined with colorful flower pots, bright streets, and carefully kept corners that feel both intentional and authentic. It’s one of those places where beauty feels intentional. Over the years, Estepona has blended its traditional Andalusian charm with seaside promenades, art murals, and open-air sculptures, while still holding onto its fishing-town roots. You can feel it in the relaxed plazas and in the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Estepona blooms not only in its streets, but also on its plates, fresh, local, simple flavors that perfectly end a day by the sea. #Spain #Estepona #travel #foodlover #visitspain
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Located between the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves, Istán is a small white village with breathtaking views over the valley and the coast beyond.�To get here you follow winding mountain roads that already feel like part of the experience.
Often called the “Spring of the Costa del Sol,” Istán is known for its fresh mountain water, Moorish roots, and peaceful rhythm of life.�Stone streets, whitewashed houses, and the sound of water flowing through the village make it feel timeless. #travel #spain #malaga #visitspain #spain❤️
•
Follow
Located between the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves, Istán is a small white village with breathtaking views over the valley and the coast beyond.�To get here you follow winding mountain roads that already feel like part of the experience. Often called the “Spring of the Costa del Sol,” Istán is known for its fresh mountain water, Moorish roots, and peaceful rhythm of life.�Stone streets, whitewashed houses, and the sound of water flowing through the village make it feel timeless. #travel #spain #malaga #visitspain #spain❤️
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
One of my favorite ways to understand a town is through its municipal market. It’s where you’ll find authentic Spanish food and fresh fish, local cheese, olives, and seasonal veggies, all in one place. If you want to experience Spain beyond restaurants, this is where to begin. #spain #travel #foodie #spanishfood #marbella
•
Follow
One of my favorite ways to understand a town is through its municipal market. It’s where you’ll find authentic Spanish food and fresh fish, local cheese, olives, and seasonal veggies, all in one place. If you want to experience Spain beyond restaurants, this is where to begin. #spain #travel #foodie #spanishfood #marbella
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than 2,800 years of history layered into its streets.
The Cathedral rises above the historic center, known locally as La Manquita, unfinished, yet deeply loved.
As you walk through the old town, balconies, sculptures, and worn stone facades tell quiet stories from Roman, Moorish, and Andalusian pasts.
Everyday life here is just as important as history: handmade pastries, local ice cream, and small shops keeping traditions alive.
The streets stay lively,
filled with conversation and movement,
until the day naturally ends when people gather
at tapas bars, sharing fresh food, wine,
and laid-back moments.
#Spain #travel #visitspain #malaga #foodie
•
Follow
Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than 2,800 years of history layered into its streets. The Cathedral rises above the historic center, known locally as La Manquita, unfinished, yet deeply loved. As you walk through the old town, balconies, sculptures, and worn stone facades tell quiet stories from Roman, Moorish, and Andalusian pasts. Everyday life here is just as important as history: handmade pastries, local ice cream, and small shops keeping traditions alive. The streets stay lively, filled with conversation and movement, until the day naturally ends when people gather at tapas bars, sharing fresh food, wine, and laid-back moments. #Spain #travel #visitspain #malaga #foodie
4 weeks ago
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Teatro Romano de Málaga
Built in the 1st century BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus, this Roman theater is one of the oldest monuments in the city. Discovered only in the 1950s, it sits right at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress, a quiet reminder of how centuries of history live side by side in Málaga. #spain #malaga #travel #history #visitspain
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Teatro Romano de Málaga Built in the 1st century BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus, this Roman theater is one of the oldest monuments in the city. Discovered only in the 1950s, it sits right at the foot of the Alcazaba fortress, a quiet reminder of how centuries of history live side by side in Málaga. #spain #malaga #travel #history #visitspain
1 month ago
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5/5
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