"The most important relationship you can have is with yourself." I heard this recently while doing an online yoga class and it really struck home. The most important relationship you can have is with yourself.
This is something I struggle with. I think most of us struggle with this. Isn't that selfish? Who has time for that? What does it even mean? Why are your writing about this as a photographer?
First, my blog. I do what I want.
Second, I truly deeply believe this needs to be talked about.
Third, this actually transfers over into photos and I'll tell you why in a bit.
Let's go back to just talking about it. As some one who struggles with self care because I truly want to just pour all of myself out into those around me, its crucial to realize that your energy--what you give out to others is not a non-renewable resource. It must be refilled, regenerated, renewed. You must be filled up before you can pour into others and the healthiest place to start is by doing that yourself. In that sense it isn't selfish at all. Give to yourself so you CAN give.
While you are entirely up to you, most of us also affect those around us. We have spouses, family, friends and our relationship with ourself effects all those relationships around us. This usually manifests itself in lack of confidence, lack of communication, negative attitude, drawing away from relationships, or just being the one who is always in need. Don't get me wrong, you're going to have hard times and tough seasons. There are going to be times that you just need others to lift you up. Those are going to happen to all of us. The more we can tap into having a healthy relationship with ourselves--the more we can stop abusive self talk and actions--the easier it will be to come back from those times.
So, what the hell does this have to do with photography? Everything. I believe photos can guide us along a path to self discovery and self love. It is one of my goals in every session to reveal beauty. The beauty of a family even in struggle. The beauty of a kid's toothless laugh. The beauty of a body. The life shattering beauty of true love. This is my calling. This is my goal. I want you to see you how the world see's you. Stop hiding and ducking, and avoiding the camera. Your life is beautiful. You are beautiful. You are strong. Let's discover the you that you love, the parts of your life you love, and create heirlooms that you can share and say, "This is me and I love who I am."
Cheers,
Beth
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