shift

2009 has been a challenging year for many, and I'm no exception. Like others, I spent too much time worrying, over-working, and under-experiencing. When the year ended, I felt a sense of relief: finally I could start over again. With that shift, a few burdens lifted. Suddenly some things which had felt insurmountable, seemed possible again.

But what really changed between December 31st and January 1st? Besides a few minutes ticking by, it was simply my perspective. Nothing is really different about my life or situation, except that I allowed myself to be open to the idea of having more freedom. Suddenly my world feels more expansive, just because I believed it was possible. I see now that my mistake may have been waiting, as if I somehow needed the world's permission or a specific date to make these changes. My hope is that this year, as the inevitable struggles approach, and the resolutions begin to wear thin, we'll remember that it never requires a grand gesture or a holiday, or someone else's validation. A new perspective is always just a moment away. 

I found this link yesterday via one of my favorite photographers. It described my year perfectly, so I thought you might enjoy it too.

Please share your perspective (or a brand new one you're trying on) with us today. 

Comments

[Simon Lawrence]

It is amazing how those few seconds between 2009 and 2010 can be used to tidy away all the years troubles and thoughts and readjust one's perspective. My 2009 was possibly the most difficult I have ever had and although it’s not all over stepping into 2010 I felt so energised. I think one of the things that helped me was my desire to complete a 365 (photo a day project). Rather than worrying about next week or next month I have been focusing on each day as it comes and I find myself more relaxed than ever. I will not forget 2009 but its now in the right place and available for harmless reflection only. I hope 2010 is a better one for you too.

I love the photograph, very creative and composed. Together as a family ready to take on 2010.

Si x

[maile]

Si, I know exactly what you mean. I've taken on a weekly project of collecting personal photographs too. It has helped to make me feel more centered already. That's one of the gifts of photography...you can't photograph the past or the future. It forces you to exist right here, today. Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. I hope your 2010 is your best year yet! xx

[camerashymomma ~ meredith winn]

oh my word maile!! that photo is so very cool. i love it.
and that link, wow. and yes indeed so true.

[Paige]

Maile that shot is so cool! I always instantly know a "Maile photo" when I see one.

[Kellee]

I keep feeling like I've gotten a grip on my perspective, and then can't seem to hold on. Hopefully I'll catch up soon!

[Puna]

Now that is a cool photo! And I just love your writing. It goes to the heart.

Two different perspective here today. Funny how the timing here is always perfect for me.
http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2010/01/january-7-hearts-big-small/

[Heidi]

I can't agree more. I don't know what it is about the switch from 2009 to 2010, but there definitely seems to be this collective feeling of starting anew. Surely all that positive energy will bring about good things for 2010!

[kath]

The feeling of starting anew can be triggered by a number of events, for me more than the New Year is the fall, I always feel renewed in the fall. In 2009 my perspective changed in the summer on my birthday when a reader suggested I make a list of 49 things to do before I'm 50. It has been mind-blowing and made the last half of 2009 spectacular.

http://www.soeursdujour.com/2010/01/haha-i-lied.html

[laura]

Phenomenal photo!!!

[georgia]

i echo everyone's sentiments about this photo! it's absolutely wonderful! i LOVE the perspective. perfect photo to illustrate your words.

and i know just what you mean in what you've written. i think it's good to look back and realize the next set of days is no different from the last set of days. it's just that they are new and another chance to start again. and that can be said of any day of the year when looking back and looking ahead. my mom always said to us growing up... "you only have once chance to live {january 7th, 2010}." of course, she would fill in the date of the day she said it. but her point was always to live each day to the fullest.

i like your take on the perspective theme. my sister and i used the "every day is a door" theme for 2010.
http://ethereal-two.blogspot.com/2010/01/365-new-open-doors-welcome-2010.html
and speaking of cool perspective, my sis's shot is a neat perspective in that post, so i'm pointing out her photo more than mine.

[Samantha]

Things are looking up for me today.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48975751@N00/4255265057/

[Jessica]

I love that photo! Makes me want to go out and immediately recreate it.

I posted a list of New Years resolutions on my blog, more like guidelines for the next year. If I don't get there I won't kill myself, but at least I know what I'm shooting for.

http://quotidian-photography.blogspot.com/2010/01/resolutions-for-new-year.html

Come let me know what you're thinking about for the new year!

[Jean M Fogle]

I decided to make myself stop more frequently and really look , amazing what you can see then! In the ice by the backdoor, I saw a whole new world!
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com

[Laurie]

I'm doing more iPhone shooting and also recently got a 50 lens for my Canon and these two things are really tied up in the topic of different perceptions. I love knowing I can take and post photos from my phone any time because it's a way to really share the way I perceive my surroundings in real time. This is important to me because this is how photography has really changed my life over the past five years. I pay attention. I see things differently all the time, way more than I did before. I compose things in my mind's eye as I go about my daily life and now I have a means of shooting it even if I'm on the move for reasons other than taking pictures.

This is sun reflected through windows in the building across from this wall. I was walking into work and had never noticed this kind of pattern before even though it's a path I've walked hundred of times a year for several years.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubyshoes/4261058267/in/set-72157623009987185/

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