“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed
is more important than any one thing.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
When Kirstin asked me to choose between a “conversation” and writing a blog post on resolution, I was quite conflicted. I hadn’t thought a bit about resolutions for 2013 and I certainly don’t see myself as interesting enough to be interviewed. I am, quite simply, a hobbyist photographer who readily sees the beauty in the world around me. I appreciate that beauty intensely. And I honor it by photographing it whenever possible. When I’m lucky enough to capture something lovely, I take great pleasure in immersing myself in Lightroom, with Pandora in the background, in hopes of giving my images color, depth, emotion, and….well….a bit of loving care. On the flip side, I am also fascinated by film and iPhone photography. My film SLR and 50mm lens make stunning images together. I am hooked on the exploration of beautiful films. I am always delighted to see my photos after much patient anticipation. My instant cameras are rewarding and fun…they love to play little games of ‘hard to get.’ And finally who, among us photographers, can resist the temptation of the iPhone and all of its fabulous apps?
Nikon F100, Nikkor 50mm, Ilford Delta 100
But the more I mulled this post over in my mind, the clearer it became that this past year, more than ever in my life, I have made some significant resolutions. Yes, me….the girl who has never intentionally made even one New Year’s resolution.
Here’s how those resolutions came to be. The first half of 2012 was very difficult for me. An extended family crisis led to my husband and I making a major life decision. The decision called for a leap of faith, a leap that I had been afraid of making for quite some time. I experienced a loss and grieved intensely over that loss. I now know, in hindsight, that those difficult months were transformational for me. I learned a great deal about myself and came to accept some important truths about life, in general. From those truths and the mistakes I made, I’ve come up with a list of daily aspirations…little promises to myself…personal goals that I intentionally strive to reach….resolutions, if you will. At first they were subconscious and then they became more purposeful. You’ve heard them before, I’m sure. In fact, I write them at the risk of sounding cliche. But for my own reasons, they speak to me. I want to live my best life possible. After all, it isn’t a very long life in the grand scheme of things, is it?
Here they are:
- comparing yourself or your situation to others is debilitating; though it is a natural human tendency and sometimes difficult to avoid, try not to do it…your shortcomings, failures, disappointments, life experiences, gifts and achievements are designed for you alone,
Nikon F100, Nikkor 50mm, Kodak Portra 400NC
- pay attention to and be grateful for what you do have in life, instead of dwelling on and lamenting over what you do not have,
- take time to notice the beauty around you…look for it, embrace it, give thanks for it….everyday,
Nikon F100, Nikkor 50mm, Kodak Portra 160NC
- reach out to people when your gut tells you to do so…fight the urge to hold back,
- let go of worry over what others think…those judgements are on them, not you, so do what makes YOU happy,
Nikon F100, Nikkor 50mm, Kodak Portra 160NC
- don’t look too far ahead into the future, live in the moment as much as possible,
Nikon F100, Nikkor 50mm, Kodak Portra 160NC
And remember,
- life doesn’t always turn out exactly as you expected.
These aspirations have given me confidence, strength and contentment. I strive to follow them every day. They inspire me a great deal, especially as I relate to people in my life and as I capture the world around me. They allow me to appreciate other photographers’ work…to learn from it and be inspired by it. In fact, I’ve begun my first-ever project 365….an undertaking I’ve considered much too overwhelming in the past. I’ve already realized what can be gained from it’s completion and it’s only day 17. Care to join me?
Happy new year and happy shooting to all you lovelies…
Jamie Klimes lives in the Chicagoland area with her two amazing children, her loving husband, and Lola, the cutest dog in the world. She is hopelessly in love with photography…film, digital, and instant. You can view more of her images on Flickr and Instagram (@Jamie_Klimes).
Jamie, your work has always been an inspiration to me and now your words are too. A well-written, thought provoking guest post, thank you x
I love all your photographs here and I’m now off to discover more on flickr! very inspirational words here, thank you
Wonderful words to live by….thanks for sharing your beautiful images…
What a wonderful post, Jaime! Beautiful imagery!
Jamie, thank you so much for musing with us today. Your words and images shall remain with me. x
dear Jamie, you state that these aspirations are cliche–that we have heard them before when, in fact, the way you have spoke to my heart says that you have really finely tuned what is a general idea into a specific and, almost holy, prayer: “comparing yourself or your situation to others is debilitating; though it is a natural human tendency and sometimes difficult to avoid, try not to do it…your shortcomings, failures, disappointments, life experiences, gifts and achievements are designed for you alone,” — “designed for you alone” — those words resonated with me so deeply. i am moved by each and every one of your aspirations and i want you to know that i am writing this all down in my journal. so well put and your photos are amazing. thank you so much!!!!
And yes to the 365! x
I checked in earlier and am back to comment.
Such a beautiful attitude and beautiful pictures from a truly beautiful soul.
This post was a wonderful, uplifting way to start my day.
Beautiful said Jaime. Honest, genuine and from the heart. This resonated with me and I’m sure with many others. I will add; “embrace your imperfections’!
I love all your affirming responses! And they warm my heart. I think Maureen’s addition of ’embrace your imperfections,’ is so great. thank you all.
well-said wisdom, dear J. Although I am lucky to know & love you outside the internet world, I have learned more about your heart & soul. You have a great talent to show the world!
xo
Beautiful images, Jamie, and very wise words! Thrilled to see you spotlighted here, talented girl!
Beautiful post , wonderful images, and words we can all live by. Thank you jamie!
Beautiful post. Your photos are so so wonderful!
Lovely photos and wonderful words! Loved every bit of it.
Thanks so much Jamie. Your aspiratins, and your photos are lovely. Just what I needed on this hectic day.
Your words really spoke to me today! Lovely photos
Every single resolution listed are truth. It took me too long to learn them and I, too often, forget them in a nano-second. This is a wonderful reminder.
Fantastic, beautiful, wonderful you. Thank you. Truly.
I love both the words and the shots Jamie. Very inspiring all around. xx
Oh my friend, you are so wise, among so many other things! Thank you for sharing…I love that we’re only 17 days in…it’s not too late to resolve to think differently. I will try my best!
beautiful words Jamie, simply beautiful and true. thank you for sharing with us here 🙂
Thank you so much for this, Jamie. I’m off to make you one of my contacts! : )
beautifully said!
Jamie, such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing this with us!
What a wonderful practice: “making little promises” to yourself. And what brilliant aspirations/promises they are, Jamie. This post was a great reminder of some basic truths. (Amen to the debilitating effects of comparing!) Beautiful images, too.
Gotta say, you seem pretty darn “interesting enough” to me. Happy New Year to you.
Just what I needed to read on this sunny, yet cold, morning. Thank you for sharing these wise words and your gorgeous imagery. xoxo
Very inspiring. Thank you. : )