I'm loving my break from work deadlines to tackle some of the lingering projects I continue to push to the back of the list...you know...like taxes, backing up computer flies, packing the winter clothes and getting ready for spring. Taxes have to be done this weekend. Then, it's deciding which seeds to start planting for our garden. And after that...the project I'm the most excited to conquer is sifting through my digital photos and videos of the boys.
I started organizing just a few photos this morning and I am so excited to dedicate some quality time to this project. It could be daunting if I really take a look at just how many photos I have to go through, but I am enjoying moving at a slow pace.
And for some reason...this project is just a little more fun while wearing a cowboy hat.
I'm realizing that one of the reasons I am falling in love with photography is that it is giving me the visual tools to document my children's history. Isn't that cool to think about? Someday, they will look back on all of these memories and be reminded of the special times and love that they were surrounded by during these precious years.
As I look through my photos I've been reflecting a lot about what it means to be a mother. With all the devastation going on in the world, sometimes I question what life is all about. It makes me think about how I'm contributing to the world and how I can continue making it a better place. A friend and past Inside Out participant reminded me yesterday that one way to give back to the world is to raise our children to be responsible, loving, and compassionate beings.
And that is why I am passionate about creating the life I love, and inspiring others to do the same, because when our life-purpose is aligned with how we are living each day, then we have no other choice than to be joyous and happy. And teaching our children that happiness comes from within, is a great, wonderful gift. When we feel happy at our core we feel moved to share that happiness by being of service to the world.
Growing, being, laughing, doing, documenting, sharing, giving, receiving... That's what my photos remind me of, and that's why I am dedicated to being more present in my life...and going deeper along the way...
Your Personal Reflection: What do your photos say about your history and how are you making the world a better place?
My photos speak of simple, peace-filled beauty. We can get so busy that we forget to take time to relax and see the small details in our daily lives that are truly amazing. Even pictures of my children are capturing the way they are that moment with sticky cheeks and sandy toes. :)
ReplyDeleteAh- photo archiving and simplifying the amount... a reflective but long process.
Aww, these are great photos. I know what you mean about questioning life in the face of tragedy. I was pregnant during 9/11, and I was so frightened for the future of my children. But you are right. We need to raise them to be responsible, compassionate, and loving, and then their future will have hope.
ReplyDeleteClearly, I need to start taking more photos!
Hi Lynnette,
ReplyDeleteI know...I'm loving the "less busy" and the more "relaxed" kind of life with my kiddos these days. xo
Hey Bella,
Yes...our children are such wonderful gifts to the world. If you need to take more photos than I probably need to do more illustrations! :) xo
Thanks to you both for stopping by.
I, too, see my photos as a way to document & remember the beauty in our every day. I sometimes get so caught up in a project or trip and thinking ahead to it that I forget about the now. When I remember to take my camera out, better if it is daily, I remember the everyday life my family and I create.
ReplyDeleteI have a box of childhood photos ( mine and my dad's ) under my bed. It's the one material thing we'd grab if we had to evacuate our house in a flash. I'm so grateful to have these precious photos of all the special events in my childhood. All the birthdays, vacations, holidays etc are in there yet so few of the regular every days. It seems like many mamas are more mindful of capturing the ordinary moments and now that my first born is well into the teen years, I'm so grateful to have the proof of those every day ordinary moments we spent just stacking Lego's, making silly faces or waiting for the bus. They went by so quickly and yet I get to treasure them again and again in our photos.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of making a book for each kids too. I just backed up everything, phew, feels so good!
My photos say mommy takes a lot of pictures! Kidding-they also say we treasure small everyday moments. I don't scrapbook but I want there to be plenty of raw material if anyone got the gumption to do so. I would love to get an individual book for each of my four. I think my photos represent what we think is important in the world-family, people, peace, creativity and openness! My pictures are a treasure and are such a spark for memory and conversation!
ReplyDeleteLovely post Shannon and just look at your sweeties!
xo, Ang
Jane & Angela,
ReplyDeleteOur moments with our children are such treasures aren't they? Good reminders...thanks to each of you for sharing. xo