Find the Joy

I have figured out that the best time to find out what brings you joy is the times when you are so busy, so exhausted, so overwhelmed, moody, anxious, etc.

What do you make time for? What do you yearn to do?

Being in nature and taking photos is that for me.

I’ve gone a week or so of not taking photos because life or my mood just get in the way. And I can FEEL it. It feels wrong. I feel like something is missing. Either I drag my camera around and never use it, or I give up and just leave it at home. Then when it gets unbearable…. I force myself to go for a walk and to take 10 photos.

And then I feel a thousand times better. And I usually get a decent photo. Like this little spider.

Spring and summer are my most favorite times to take photos. The insects and plant life are ridiculously magical to my eye. Have you actually taken time and looked at something as simple as a clover flower? I have taken HUNDREDS of photos of clover flowers over the last couple of years. Their teeny petals are so delicate and interesting in their coloring and shape. And bees, flies, dragonflies…. I can just imagine the personality with those giant eyes, intricate wings, antennae, and various body shapes, sizes & colors.

Finding what gives you Joy also electrifies you to learn more, to step out of your comfort zone, and dream big.

I always thought I would just take photos of the things around our place. But the more I learn, the more I want to challenge myself. Whether it’s photographing people, the Northern Lights, lightening, or just make more interesting photos… I want learn how to do it all!

I have signed up for a few online courses for this month and set up some portrait dates for the summer.

So, make a wish….

And keep searching for that pot at the end of the rainbow.

Joy doesn’t have to be something huge. It doesn’t have to be something that you’re an expert at. Or that you make a business out of. It can be something as simple as reading, drawing, gardening, hiking, cooking, whatever. It needs to fill that void in your soul that gets depleted from the excess noise and stress in our daily lives. Something you can lean on to comfort you. Something that makes you smile to yourself, and for yourself.

My joy is this. I may not have a ton of time to dedicate to learning or practicing like I want to. And I’m at peace with that. I’m still going to do it. I love what I create. I love sharing and hearing feedback from people that they find it made them smile or that they ask questions about what they are seeing. It sparks conversations with people and gives me an opportunity to tell a story.

What is your Joy?

TGIF

Back At It