If you've been in one of my scrapbooking classes, chances are you've heard me say this before. But it's something that needs to be said again and again, cause we all fall back into our bad habits. Don't we?
So I'm gonna speak the truth here for you and me and anyone else who would like to listen. I'm not trying to cause distress (although I'm sure I will, grin), just being realistic, so I hope you hear what I'm trying to say.....
You need to get IN your photos.
Yes, that's right. You. Even if you think you're too skinny, too fat, too tall, too whatever.
One day you won't be here, your time will have come and your loved ones will have no record of who you are. What you looked like. What your 'style' was. How you laughed with that great big smile.
You see, and this is hard for me to write, cause I'm big again (have been for a while actually). Up and down like a yo yo. And to be honest it's depressing (although can I just add, that even when I was the thinnest I've ever been, I didn't think I looked good!) anyway..... the reality is, that this is me. What I look like today, is what people see (whether I like it or not!).
The courier driver, the postman, the chemist, the checkout operater, the school teacher. They all see me today, just as I am. There is no magical glimmering in front of me as I go about my daily business that shows me as I want to be seen. There is just little ole me. As I am.
No hiding from the camera will change that.
I can't remember what triggered my thinking. But I do remember how quickly you can not be here. It's as simple as going out for a bike ride and getting hit by a truck. One minute you're cruising along the road, the next you're no where. In nothingness. In hospital. Those many years ago, I was lucky. I survived. But it could easily have ended differently.
None of us know what is around the corner. So can I please encourage you to get out your camera and start being IN the photos?
And just to show you how easy it is, check out these photos from my recent trip to Bali....
What do you see here? Probably not an overweight person. But someone who is in awe of what is happening around her. A person who is excited about being hugged by an elephant!
Or what about this one? Perhaps someone who forgot to put suntan lotion on. Silly girl! Or someone who doesn't know whether to be excited or nervous?
Or this one... a lady out to lunch with some new friends.
Or even these ones...
A mum and her son hanging out.
Memories I and those around me can cherish.
But, if you're still not convinced, check out this blog post by another person who thinks the same way....
You won't regret it.
