I recently experienced a visit with a person whose life experiences appeared to be rather limited due to seemingly being uninterested and unmotivated by the world around them. Except for complaining about everything/everybody under and above the sun, conversation could not have been more exhausting. I don’t believe I’ve ever met someone who hung and clung to every word their partner said, whilst having nothing to offer in a conversation and has experienced so little in their over four decades of life on this earth. Even trying to discuss trivial safe subjects like the weather, movies, music or food seemed to make a full circle back to ensue further complaining followed by nervous, mindless chuckles used in failed attempts to conceal yet further negative chatter. While I feel I haven’t scratched the surface of what this life has to offer, yet – I felt rather “Wordly” in comparison to a person whose life outlook is so self-decidedly glum.
Everyone has a story, rich with their own personal life experiences. There are times when a person is up/down…peaks and valleys. I will speak about a person who lives in this time, country and has the same opportunities and similar choices that other people of the aforementioned enjoy. I love this quote:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
There are so many ways to appreciate this quote. Isn’t it similar to the “glass half full – half empty” scenario, or the “take time to stop and smell the roses” quote?
It’s this type of essential attitude and looking at life that allows you to appreciate, capture and take it all in – as a person, artist of any kind…a photographer. Keeping that zest and zeal for life – ALIVE!
Years ago I watched a very inspiring segment from photographer Chris Orwig on Lynda.com. If you have a chance to catch any of Chris’ tutorials or read his blog, you’ll find that he’s very inspirational and insightful. He shares and drops appropriately timed quotes as can be related to your craft. This one always stayed with me:
How can I become a better photographer? Become a more interesting person. Jay Maisel
At the very least, don’t we all owe that much to ourselves and our loved ones?
I had both the privilege and opportunity to hear Jay Maisel speak at a Photoshop World event a couple of years ago. You can catch some inspirational interviews of Jay by photographers, Chris Orwig and Scott Kelby:
DigitalPhotology
