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.
Trina that is so true. It has been one of my goals this year to get in more photos and even hand that camera to another member of the family to take photos of me. I am also learning to take self photos using my camera on my phone (a bit of a challenge LOL!)
Thank you for this post, it is a very good reminder to get out from behind the camera.
Posted by: Megan Kapma | February 04, 2013 at 11:47 AM
GREAT post,Trina. I really enjoyed reading Teresa's blog-certainly plenty of food for thought.Photos are memories of the good and the not so good aspects of all parts of our lives.Life happens.
Posted by: Judy | February 04, 2013 at 01:56 PM
You look gorgeous Trina... and very happy... well maybe not the one when you were sort of sitting on the elephant lol... you look a tad scared in that one!! Thanks for the timely reminder!!
Posted by: Michelle Whorwood | February 04, 2013 at 03:07 PM
yip this is just like the blog post i read that is doing the rounds on FB.,.,.im with ya...we need to get in shots more often
NO MATTER HOW WE THINK WE LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yah thanks for this post!!
love it!!!
and by that way love love love that elephant pic...how cute a trunk hug!!
Posted by: mandyb | February 04, 2013 at 06:32 PM
Love it Trina. Definitely my demons too!
Posted by: Megan Renfree | February 04, 2013 at 08:33 PM
This has to be the most inspirational post I have read in years! Thank you Trina for the amazing gift you have given me - freedom to be who I am right now, and inspiration to make the changes I want. I am so blessed to have you in my life, and thrilled I could thank you in person. What an amazing post! I shall be linking this to my blog.
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