Yesterday I was at a photo session and I had a major epiphany about my life! I was shooting and looking at these adorable boys and I looked up and saw Pelicans flying in formation. I instantly pointed my camera and started taking pictures of the Pelicans and then quickly switched back to the boys.
And then I realized why I’m such a squirrel. As a photographer you train your brain to look for moments that you can capture. And as an artist, I’m always looking for new ideas.
As I’m looking for ideas I am constantly analyzing moments in the day. My brain never rests; which is why it’s so easy for me to write a blog entry every single day. Other than the newspaper, I am not familiar with many daily blogs. (oh ya….I haven’t looked….)
But when I was shooting yesterday everything hit me and I started laughing out loud! I felt so free from my squirrel brain, because now I know why I got here. Well, to be honest, I think I have always been a squirrel, but my profession has further fostered my squirrelness.
I think in life we always try to figure out why we are the way we are. It’s human nature for each of us to look at others and compare ourselves to our friends, family and even movie stars. And many times we ask ourselves the question, “Why can’t I be more like THEM?” (whoever “Them” may be).
I know that I am not meant to be like everyone else. But when I find myself struggling while others seem to ‘slide on through’, I get very frustrated with myself and start doubting and questioning my abilities as a human being.
Just this morning, I couldn’t log in to my ‘new’ blog. I tried a few different ways, but because I wasn’t the originator, I don’t have the basics of where to sign in. Lame, I know. But instead of struggling any more, I went ahead and went back to my old blog. And if you are reading this in my new blog, then my administrator moved it over for me.
I hate when I’m challenged and can’t succeed. I’ve mentioned before that I have a friend who decided to take college classes and so far she’s at almost 100% for everything she has done. Tests, quizzes, participation, you name it! And when she emails me to tell me of yet another 100%, I find myself happy for her, yet sometimes it’s hard to be excited, because I just expect it now. And then I reflect on myself and think, “I got 100% once in 4th grade spelling”. And then I sigh heavily, for I am not a studious student and likely never will be.
But I realize my gifts are elsewhere. We can’t be everything can we!??
I really enjoyed my realization yesterday. Although I knew my focus is everywhere at all times, it’s nice to figure out a piece of the puzzle in why I am that way.
And though I would like to say I have a desire to change it; I realize that is part of why I am successful at what I do. And though I can’t be the best student or mathematician, I can always be the best squirrel! And I’m okay with that!!
(for those who have no idea where the “Squirrel” comes from; it’s a reference to the dog in the movie “UP”. The dog would be midsentence talking to the guy and then stop and say “SQUIRREL”! and then go back to what he was saying….. That’s me).
Happy Monday
Mom of two grown ass girls and married to a short guy who is funny and cooks really well! I’m a photographer by trade, so you can say I’m a bit “peopley”. My favorite sessions are the one on ones where I just get to chat and find out about my clients. I’m blessed with what I get to do every day! Blessed by the support of my husband and kids, and blessed by the ongoing support and encouragement of my friends who are always lifting me up.