“Soak it in…”
These words seem so elusive to me these days.
I feel, and I know I’m not alone, that despite all of the conveniences that modern technology give us–nothing can compare the feeling of real connection. Connection with nature, with each other, with ourselves.
I have a confession to make. I went through a feeling of helplessness. As success of my business started to pick up, I was–in a mental mind sense–back at square one. I have too many things to learn! I have to keep up! I need this lens, that software and I have to learn this technique or I will fail miserably! I was in full on panic mode. When did all this happen? Why are humans running in circles to get things done, when the answers are so simple?
I just came home from a life changing trip out west. Actually, I wasn’t even supposed to go. The original plan was for my stepdad John to go in place of me. I had this gut feeling that I needed to, though. I hadn’t been out west for 8 years–since my Grandma died. Turns out, John wasn’t able to get away from the business and he insisted I go, and there was my opportunity. I went to Lake Powell in Utah with my Grandpa, Mom, Uncle Chris, and my Grandpa’s girlfriend Hazel. We spent 4 long days on an awesome houseboat, weaving in and out of canyons and canals and marveling in awe at the beauty of what nature has given us.
After we made dinner, Grandpa would tell us stories of his beginnings of working in the forest service in the 1950s. I learned that Mom wrote a lot when she was younger, and I got really close with my Uncle Chris while we toured the narrow canyons in his tiny motor boat. As I sat at the bow of the boat at sunset and my toes were skimming the crystal water, I realized how lucky I was to be in this moment. To breathe fresh air and be surrounded by people I love and to view this absolutely stunning work of land art that was millions of years in the making. It really looked like a painting. I kept thinking that I was in the Truman show and that our boat would crash into the pristine blue sky with perfect puffy clouds and we’d be stormed by the harsh reality.
But the reality is that it’s the simple things in life that keep me sane and happy.
Photography is something I love. I’m so fortunate that it found me! Now I really don’t have to work a day in my life. As for the business side, I have faith that it will come to me. The important thing to remember is this moment is all you have. When I have my doubts, I will always whisper, “seize the day!” ;]
Truly fantastic pictures Carly. What awesome memories you made out west.
I. Love. You.
Amazing work Carly!!