Take The Picture

We have just returned from a camping/fishing trip….the world gets heavy…my heart gets heavy, and I needed to stand by a stream..listen to a river, and care about only one thing…catching a fish.

Sometimes we need the quiet of nature and being outside to realize what is actually important. How fragile life is…and how quickly someone you love is gone.

The very first person that I have known for a long time died from Covid this past week. He was a kind gentle soul and our world is a darker place with him gone. I hate Covid as it has claimed so many wonderful people.

As I look at what is ahead in my own life…I’ve tried to make some changes in the past several years, but not as many as the last three years. Self image and trying to love a healthier lifestyle instead of a sedentary life. The changes have been hard at times and depressing. I find myself not wanting to take pictures because I’m not where I want to be health wise. I’m more critical on myself than others are…because I believe in perfection…and perfection just doesn’t exist.

I don’t want my children to say I didn’t do things with them. I don’t want them to think that everything I did was perfect and trying new things didn’t require effort…

I want them to run races with me…so far I have done that with both children…

I want them to see me trying new things and not being afraid to be silly and have fun.

This past week my husband took a picture of me that I have been reluctant to share because I felt fat and pudgy and mad at myselfthat I looked this way….

I had been standing in the river up to my knees…intent on catching a trout that I still couldn’t quite get…but he took it because I was just a woman standing by a stream…troubles of the world put aside because I wanted one thing….a fish.

Pictures don’t have to be perfect…but I believe they need to be taken often….every part of life celebrated…often….documented…

I have always been addicted to taking pictures. I wanted to be a photo journalist…even sat my sights on it for college but listened to others instead. Pictures remind us of an event…sometimes my mind can be tricked…but a picture doesn’t lie.

So, start the new hobby…don’t believe in perfection. Show your children imperfection. Keep trying….keep getting back up. Keep giving, no matter who says you can’t do it…and don’t give in. Take the picture, share the adventure…look silly, have fun…be you.