Since beginning 365 at the start of 2013, many of you will know how up and down my life has been. It has, on occasion, been quite a roller coaster of a ride with lots of ups and some pretty drastic downs too. Photography has been my therapy and during the down times has made me go out and look for good things in the world to photograph.
The last few months of 2015 have been particularly difficult on occasion, both emotionally and medically.
My New Year's resolution for 2016 is that this year is for David and myself. We really need to start to put ourselves at the front of the queue. We will continue to help practically with family issues, but we really have to cut back on the emotional side as it is so draining. We can't fix other people, we can gives clues, but we can't give answers. People have to find the answers for themselves.
I recently heard the song 'I Can See Clearly Now' by Jimmy Cliff on the radio and I thought this is going to be my mantra for this year. It also gave me the idea of putting some photos together to tell the story. I am going to post them over the next eight days and I hope you like them.
I understand exactly how you are feeling.. and yes I also use photography as therapy and some day's has helped know end .. hang in there Babs and stick with taking fantastic photos like this and lucky you living in a beautiful spot..
I am with you Babs. @016 for me means decluttering my life, and my home! I have finished with a number of other interests, giving more time for John and I together, and less time for less meaningful things. As you ay, you can't find answers for others. Spend the time for yourselves, and enjoy it together. :-) This photo is beautiful BTW!
Stunning capture and so glad to hear that you are putting yourself first, photography can be so helpful in terms of being mindful, just stopping to see the world around you and seeing the beauty and that's one of the things I love about the project, great some choice too
Just keep singing that song Babs :) I fully understand how tough things can get and at times we can't do the impossible! Enjoy what you have, take care of yourself and David and keep using photography as therapy :) Would love to meet up for a coffee one day :) And I love your photo too! Fav
Go for it Babs. Just how old do we have to be before we do this? ! It's not easy to put yourself first, but give it a go, you more than a lot of other people deserve it. I guess now's the time for me to say thank you for starting me on 365 too. Ps. Your photos are amazing!
Fabulous view, so peaceful. There comes a time when you have to say enough is enough and put yourself first. I hope that 2016 will be a great year for you and David.
A fantastic view & capture, Babs.. I feel for you & agree you must at some time say that's it....I do pray 2016 will be a wonderful year for you & David. I agree also, photography is very uplifting & therapeutic.
Well, sometimes we can give the answers but no one usually listens anyway. As you say they have their own lessons to learn and I think our lesson is to let go and know that we can't fix everything. So hard! All the best with it Babs, keep saying it over and over and you will eventually get there. Beautiful peaceful beach.
Beautifully captured beach scene with the eye drawn into and through the image, love your fighting spirit Babs, keep that camera by your side and have a peaceful and happy year:)
Babs, I think you are a very brave person and I am glad your photography has helped you through difficult times. Beautiful scene you have such beautiful surroundings.
So true - photography is my meditation. I can wander in nature for hours away from the daily routine, the frustrations, the heavy heart situations. I can refuel with photography and have the energy to take one more step..
Such a fitting photo for your your new year mantra. Babs, I hope you can see it it fruition, and I'm looking forward to the rest of your shots for this song.
Photography is wonderful therapy Babs, It keeps me sane through my current issues. I love this picture it is beautiful and peaceful. I hope you and David have a better year in 2016
What a wonderful song and I can really understand what you mean. If it's draining to you then you can't help in little ways. Think of yourself and David aand enjoy 2016 better.
Beautiful shot, have lots of special 'couple time' this year without any guilt, it will help strengthen the huge support you obviously give to others. Enjoy 2016.
Sometimes you do have to step back, no man is an island and we don't have all the answers, you do see a lot clearer when you step back. Love the picture too, our beaches are that enticing at the moment !
What a gorgeous scene... lovely shot. Photography is such great therapy, especially when you realize that you can't solve other people's problems. I have many of the same goals for this upcoming year. Wonderful song, too.
That's a great resolutioin, Babs. There's only so much one can try to do for others. Fabulous beach shot. There's a song title challenge running at the moment that you should tag this for. Take a look at the current challenges.
Wonderful capture! Love the color and the way the eyes are drawn into the water. More importantly ... the title and 2016 goals... we can only change ourselves and then the surrounds will change due to our response to others because we have chosen to deal with our needed change. Hope and prayers.
@onewing The kettle is always on! if you do get down to Vic please let me know. I can catch up with you anywhere is you don't make it this western way :)
Beautiful shot and beautiful that you are able to share such things with your 365 family. Amazing what therapy the photo process can be, and even more amazing how a community of people who you really have never met can be such a support network. I applaud your new year resolution and wish you the best.
@yaorenliu Thanks Yao, I am looking after myself. I do what I can for other people and will help anyway I am able, but I can't go down the emotional blackmail path.
@maree_sanderson Me too Maree. Nothing better than a deserted beach and we have lots of them near to where I live. If you look way off into the distance on this photo, you will see two black dots. That is two people walking along the beach. They were the only two people I saw.
@gilbertwood Won't be down your way for a while, but when we do go to Victoria I will be sure to look you up. Same goes if you are ever in the Nelson Bay area too.
@stray_shooter Thanks so much Ron. The last three years have been very difficult on occasion since my daughter died, but you do come to acceptance and I can't keep everyone else afloat. It is time for me now.
Thank you all for your lovely comments. I am still willing to help family members, but I have to be selective. Got to got my own health problems sorted out though , Can't help if I am exhausted can I. Need to get my ticker ticking again properly first.
Ron, I just want to agree wholeheartedly with everything that you say.