Wednesday, November 25, 2015

What Lies Within

"There's no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections."
I recently came across this quote in the large storeroom that is my inspiration/quote board on Pinterest.  I was looking for the perfect quote to go with this photo on Instagram...


 I instantly identified with the words, even if it might not be the perfect quote for the photo.

You see I am just coming off a ten-day e-course on conceptual photography with the amazing Catherine Just called Begin Deepening. While conceptual photography is not something that I plan to add to my current work, the course was instrumental in showing me some things that I knew, things I had even written down a time or two, but like they say seeing is believing.

I have always aimed in this space to be as real and honest as I can. My life isn't just pretty pictures and thoughtful stories, there are fears, huge fears, tons of resistance, guilt, and lots of imperfection. In keeping with my nature, I thought I would share with you some of the things I learned about myself in this ten-day course. My hope in sharing, is that someone else will read the words and think "oh, thank goodness, she feels like that too."

Day 1
Secret/Truth


My secret is that I walk to escape, I walk to be alone. My truth is that I walk to find myself.

It is in that time alone that I have the space and the clarity to look deep inside myself and discover things about myself and my work. I love my family and friends, but I HAVE to have that time alone to find creative inspiration.

Day 3
Journaling/Mind Mapping


Through my already extensive journaling process, and Catherine's prompts, I built this rock cairn. The rock cairn symbolizes my blog; a place where I stack pretty pictures and words, one on top of the other, creating something beautiful. In theory there is nothing wrong with something pretty, until it holds you back from doing something. My blog like the rock cairn is a safe place,  a place where everyone likes me and gives me wonderful words of encouragement. Between the layers though, are shadows, in the shadows lives fear. Fear of failing, but even worse, fear of succeeding if I leave the safe place of my blog and put my work out into the wider world.

Day 4
Intuition


It is time to start dismantling the cairn (don't worry the blog isn't going anywhere) and taking those precious stones that are my beloved stories and start sending them out in the world, sending them skipping out across the water, letting them land where they may, and start to make ripples outward.

Enough talk, it is time to take action...so... I am working on a story that I WILL submit to Bella Grace by the January 15 deadline. I would love some accountability, so...if you think of it, email me on January 14, 15 or 16 and see if I held true to my word. I am ready to face that fear that lives in the shadows, either the fear of failure or the fear of success, which ever it may be. Either way I am going to start skipping stones/stories out across the water this next year.


Day 10
Intuition Revisited



My journey over the last four years has been a long one and certainly not a straight one. Most times there was no clear end in sight, but the last few months have been a turning point for me. I now have a straighter path, and a clearer destination to journey towards.

Some of the other days from the course I am still digging deeper into, but I hope to share some of those thoughts before the end of the year. 

If you are curious about what a course like this could do for you, there is another one starting on Monday, November 30 with Henry Lohmeyer who has a partnership with Catherine Just. His e-course is called Still, check it out here. I'll be there.


20 comments:

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Sarah your work is wonderful. I have followed you now since those first groupies days and i have watched you unfold. I'm so looking forward to seeing you in Bella Grace my friend !

Lynne said...

Such a treasure you are . . .
Loved this reflection . . .

nancyjean said...

hi sarah, it sounds like an inspiring class ... thank you for sharing. I too walk for the very same reasons. It is my time .. my time to clear my mind and at times to get inspired. Not to mention the health benefits! I have marked my calendar to email you on Jan 14th ... so glad you are going to start "skipping your stories"!!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Unknown said...

I'm pondering the Still class- may be I'll be joining you, but I'm thinking it through.

Michelle B said...

I love the quote. It is so true that we tend to publish the pretty images and words when our lives are full of imperfections. It is almost like we think imperfections make our lives less in some way, although they really are what make us whole. Lovely pictures and words. Bella Grace would be honored to have your images and words on their pages. :)

Anonymous said...

I love and honour your courage to get your work out there, my friend! You photographic journey has taken leaps and bounds in the last few years and I find it so inspirational to follow -- and cheer you on. I'm trying to get out there too and identify with the all the fears that go along with it…but feel pulled to move forward, regardless. Here's to your story in Bella Grace!

Michelle B said...

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Lissa Forbes said...

I so love your introspection, Sarah. I'm excited to see where your journey takes you. I feel I've found a soul sister when I read your blog posts and watch the evolution of your photography. I just may join you in that Still class. I've been feeling a bit scattered. Job search. Two blogs and it seems I've transitioned from one to other for a time here. I think I need to focus. Take care, my friend.

Nancy said...

Sarah, I really appreciate your courage in striving to be real and authentic on your blog because it's an encouragement to everybody who visits. I am proud of you for stepping out and letting your work skip across the world. You are a gifted writer and photographer and our world needs more of both. I love the quote but I have found that when I share 'my imperfections' I get a lecture so I am afraid that I often stay in the 'pretty world of photography'. Since meeting you, I find that I am reflecting more on what makes a 'real' blog post. I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving....

Donna Hopkins said...

Sarah, I always enjoy reading as you think out loud and figure things out, and you help me to become my truest self by sharing your self. Your photos and your thoughts are compelling, and I will look forward to traveling this path with you as you make your submission to Bella Grace. Thanks also for the information about the Still class . . . .love anything with Henry or Catherine - and friends like you!

Ahayes1225 said...

Wonderful, I am so glad you are moving forward. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. My 6 weeks are up... yeah.

Glen Huizenga said...

Wonderful woman you are... I sound like Yoda. Your ability to be real is awe inspiring. I love you!

Nicki said...

I think the alone time, the time to explore my creativity is what I have been missing with all the go-go-go and returning to work full time (planned eventually, but happened sooner than expected) is why I have been lacking in blogging lately. I am always encouraged and inspired with your challenges, photography and words.

Roxi H said...

here, here! I raise my glass to you on the submission (and acceptance). About fears... apparently I don't want to go deep because I sure avoid it.

Cathy H. said...

Sarah, I have always admired your self-assurance and bravery. I'm excited that your submitting an article to Bella Grace.

Unknown said...

Oh gosh Sarah...Bella Grace and Artful Blogging are in my sites in the near future. There are a few things I need set straight for the worthy factor to be dead on. I'm SO very proud of you for setting your sights on this publication...it is moving-you're words are perfect to adorn the pages. Xo

Suburban Girl said...

Wow Sarah, this is so awesome. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I wish you all the best in achieving your goals for 2016, I can't wait to see it unfold. I very much relate to Day 1.

beth said...

submit away sweetie…and they will love you. bella grace is really focused on personal blog articles and you share you and your heart and thoughts so easily….i just know you'll "get in." i have been blessed to grace the pages of 4 stamping-ton publications and i have to say, they are amazing to work with…and like i said, i know you have what they want!!!

CarolHart said...

Great post! I've been a fan of your work for some time and it deserves to be featured in Bella Grace. Can't wait to see you in its pages!

Electric | Journal said...

Lovely post, Sarah. I walk for the same reasons, to reflect and think things through, to plan, to explore different courses of action. My camera is part of that, as I never know what I'll encounter along the way. But that's part of the reflection, too... Thanks for sharing the class with us; Day 3, amazing!