Copyright - yShots
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Editing Apps: VSCO Cam
Never forget who you are, where your'e from, or what took you to get here. As the New Year descends upon us we always think about things we want to let go into the past drifts of time rather than looking forward and realizing the opportunities in front us. The beginning of a new year calls for something fresh, experimental, fun. I gave up on New Year's resolutions years ago, when it became clear I couldn't sustain them past February 1. Many of my friends named their years. As this seemed worth trying a theme for the year a first throughout my life. So I've named my 2016 Noticing.
Yesterday, my Teacher was talking about how a paradox can summarize a specific moment in life. Here's a paradox. When we're feeling something uncomfortable, it gives us relief to notice it. We stop spending energy denying it or trumping up some story to explain or justify it. We acknowledge what is. Then, if we don't like it, we can change it. When I noticed my critical thoughts toward myself. I didn't like what I saw, but when I saw it, I could change it.
As I was looking back at my first few pictures I ever photographed; this picture stood out to me as it reflected upon the story of my life. I then realized the true meaning of "A picture is worth a thousand words" when I noticed. Today and everyday in 2016, I am thinking about noticing. I am thinking about how, when our eyes are more softly focused, we do notice things that are important. In addition, we see those things in relation to the whole, instead of in isolation. this feels important somehow.
This year, I encourage everyone to start with a clean slate; give chances, forgive and forget. And for the love of god, unplug sometimes and look around the world in front of you; trust me you will notice things you've never seen before. Start Noticing.
What's your New Year's Theme?
Comment below or post it on my Twitter page with #yshotsnyt.