3 Photos to Take Today to Reconnect with Who You Really Are
If you’re interested in this idea of self-discovery through photography, I invite you to download the first chapter of Beryl’s e-book: Radiate. In this chapter you’ll be inspired to pick up a camera and capture images that make your heart sing. I’m an affiliate of Beryl’s because I believe in the connection and creativity she helps you tap into with her work. ~Alissa
3 Photos, By Beryl Ayn Young
The little girl stalked my daughter up the slide and, without missing a step, looked her in the eyes and said “Want to play with me?”
My daughters face lit up. You could see the YES in her eyes as they both turned to slide back down, squeals of joy escaping their mouths as they raced around the playground. Watching them, my heart swelled with joy for her. How easily the connection came. The simplicity of life at 5. The beauty of a genuine smile and a word of kindness. The power of YES.
I wanted to bottle up that perfect example of connection into a magical elixir, to give her 20 years from now when connection no longer seems to come as easily.
So many of our bonds to others, while growing up, happen because of proximity. The kid on the playground. The girl in our 5th grade class. Our college roommate.
We’re shaped and molded by the people we bring into our circles. But with each passing year, we weave new levels of complexity and commitment into our lives. Work, marriage, home, kids, friends, family.
And somewhere along the way, when the circles of proximity get smaller, our lives get fuller, and we’re with our kids and family more than we’re out in the world, we realize we’ve forgotten the most important connection.
The one with ourselves.
With shifting roles and goals and priorities, our interests change, but that doesn’t mean our desire for connection and fulfillment disappears.
But as moms how do we center into ourselves, and reconnect with the truth of who we are?
I challenge you to try picking up a camera.
Photography was the hobby where I began to re-discover who I was after becoming a mom. It was something I was able to do while mothering, and it led to shifts in perspective and a grounding that were my reset button in the midst of the hectic days with my kiddo.
Photography healed me from the inside out. I know it can do the same for you too.
Here are 3 photos to take today to enrich the connections you have with yourself, your family and your life.
Today, I encourage you to look for beauty behind the lens that makes you more alive. Tell a story. Capture the moments that move you. Make us feel like we’re 5 again and finding new friends on the playground with ease. Those are the truth of who you are. The camera is simply there to change your viewpoint and help you discover happiness in the here and now.
1) A Sunrise or Sunset
Being out in nature is one of the easiest ways to ground and bring yourself back to center. And no sunrise or sunset is ever the same in how it surfaces. Intentionally set yourself up outside to watch one, and capture the magical bursts of light and color on camera.
2) A Self Portrait
Albeit emotionally difficult for some, it’s empowering to put yourself in front of the camera lens. It allows you to see who you really are in the flesh, and appreciate the person you’ve become, flaws and all. It’s the perfect exercise in releasing perfection and re-connecting with yourself. Plus your kids will need and appreciate photos of you in their archives too.
3) Your Favorite Color
Sometimes a really simple subject or theme to photograph (and one that isn’t my child) helps remind me of who I am beyond mom. My moods and emotions are highly influenced by color, and intentionally choosing to look for color is a great way to get creative behind the lens.
If you’re interested in this idea of self-discovery through photography and color behind the lens, I’d like to invite you to download the first chapter of my new e-book: Radiate. In this first chapter ‘Shades of Me’ you’ll be inspired to pick up a camera, slow down, and capture images that make your heart sing. Plus you’ll get access to a supplemental video where I spill the #1 editing technique I am constantly asked to share.
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I like it. Not fond of the idea of taking a self portrait, but I’ll do it. I haven’t used my camera in 3 years. Gotta start somewhere.