New year. New beginnings. New you. Look ahead. (from Dogwood Photography’s 2018 weekly challenge). “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” — T.S. Eliot
When I created a new 2018 folder in Lightroom to hold my 2018 photos, something spurred me to look at the numbers of photographs I’ve taken each year. I noticed that the numbers of photos I took in 2017 was quite low especially when compared to several of the previous years. It’s not surprising that, not only did I have minimal creative time, it was also a stressful year. There was the exorbitant cost and final construction of the upper deck at our ocean view home. Then there was selling that home with all the disruption of having to prepare the home for every viewing and disappearing for an hour or two for each of those showings. During that time I also chose to go through decades of boxed memorabilia (from both our mothers) and part with it all, and then came weeks of downsizing and packing. Of course there was the move itself and living in the new downsized home for 5 months without furniture! No wonder I wasn’t inspired to take many photos.
The bigger surprise came to me as I looked at the numbers of images I took in the years 2006, 07, and 08. In 2006 and 2007 I only took just over 100 photographs each year — that is nothing compared to usual years. Why? My mom was dying in 2006 and then she passed away in 2007. Her death devastated me; hit me like I was buried by an earthquake. In 2008 the number of photos I took increased but part of that was because I took a bit of a vacation which got the numbers up.
So why tell you all this? The real point to all this is that, at least in my case, stress and grief have a great impact on my wellbeing, my creativity, and my outlook. Last year was jam packed with various stressors. Now that those are behind me, I am like a rescued puppy from the rubble and plan to get out there, romp ahead, and take my camera with me!
I’m also loving living with less, so much so that I plan to write about it (next post) and share what a great feeling it is living this way. Even my photography is likely to be a bit more streamlined — who knows — we shall see what 2018 brings.
What are you looking forward to in 2018?
I am so sorry to hear of all your stress and challenges last year Diane, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am very much looking forward to following you this year as you find renewed vigor for adventures in life. Best wishes!
I’ll be happy to see more of your beautiful photos!
I can also look back and track stressful times with photos or lack thereof. This last year I took so few, relatively speaking anyway, already this year I’ve taken more. A new camera helps, but more so is me starting to shake off the cobwebs after a year of loss and grief.
Oh, I know just how this works, Diane.
Indeed, life happens, and sometimes the stressors associated with that just take a toll on everything, including the things we love. I am glad that things have settled for you, and that you are looking forward to the new year.
As for me, I am not sure where 2017 went! I actually took a lot of pictures, but never really did anything with them. They are sitting on my desktop in folders, waiting for attention. I have made a loose promise to myself to get some of them posted, all of which will be totally out of season now, but that may be the subject of my next post!! 🙂
Have a wonderful week, my friend.
xo.