Behind the Lens | Up Close

Sometimes I get a good look…at myself. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of things that we like to see up close but ourselves? Yeah, that’s not one of them. I’d prefer to keep the ‘up close and personal’ for things like art, George Clooney and the inside of my eyelids. There might be some other things that are good to see close up, but my own flaws and failures I prefer to keep at a safe ‘unfocused’ distance.

This past week, as I was traveling the nation in a crazy frenzy, I noticed a few things about myself that I didn’t really like. Traveling has a way of doing that to us, stripping us of so much and leaving us a bit exposed, often stressed to the point of reaction. Don’t worry, I wasn’t yelling in the airport. In fact, no one else probably even noticed. I’ll spare you the details and instead, I’ll focus on what I learned since I know you are dying to hear my wise insights. Consider me your Cyber Yoda…for gain wisdom from my mistakes you will.

While editing on the plane home, I ran across this picture from a recent wedding and it helped me to put into words the things I had been feeling. You see, over the last few crazy weeks, I learned that it is not pleasant to see yourself up close, it can be uncomfortable and leave you feeling a bit tangled up. However, the end result, if you let it, can actually be quite beautiful. Personal growth isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

So, with a desire for that which is more beautiful, I’m making a new resolve to live my life…up close.

Happy Thursday!

(One of my wonderful second shooters, Jenny, took this picture of me at a wedding recently. She walked up and said, “Oh I have to document this.” Yes, I know that it looks like my leg is detached from my body but don’t worry…this is totally normal for me. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, right?)