It starts with a habit!

We all take pictures — everyday, all day. It isn’t a rare occurrence. A few years ago I started a-picture-a-day project, attempting to force myself to do so for 365 days. Needless to say, we live in a world where such a project is easier than flipping a switch. Mobile phones have been around for a very long time (that still seems odd to say though, I grew up when a cellphone was still as big as a brick) and camera phones isn’t all the buzz it use to be. Now, anyone who is anyone is snapping the moments occurring throughout their day and uploading it to a vast number of social media sites.

Like some of you may know, I studied photography, but that was four years ago and the rust on my knowledge (and camera) is thicker than that on the remains of a wrecked ship. I am trying to get back into it, taking it very slowly and simply doing it on my own terms. Sure, taking a picture every day is easy, there’s not much to it. That’s not the point. It’s all about the routine — it starts with a habit. I’m not the type of person who takes pictures of everything I see, I’m not they guy you will find snapping away at every birthday, dinner party or celebrity sighting. However, trust me, it is by choice — I don’t want to be that guy. Yet, I do need to get back into the habit of actually taking photos. We all lead busy lives, at times saying it is hectic is an understatement, but I studied event and wedding coordination — at which you’ll find that organisation and planning sits at the core — surely I should be able to do the math on this one and make time? Easier said than done, right?

I was driving with co-worker, and friend, yesterday. We spoke about just this very thing — making times for yourself, be it going to the gym or paying attention to something you love. In my case it would be to take pictures, for instance. She explained, it is like making an appointment with yourself. You set aside time everyday (or however often you feel it necessary/needed) for this “you-time”, even if it is going to the gym. If asked to do something else or to attend another appointment, you should decline, replying with the ‘I already have an appointment’. If not, we will keep postponing and postponing until it is four years later and we don’t even know where the charger of our camera is, ask me, I know. I’m not saying blow off work or tell your boss you can’t finish your work, but you catch my drift? Okay — fine, I take a picture a day — check, but there’s got to be more than that, right?

So, here is my suggestion (and I’m speaking to myself here). I will (try) to take a picture everyday, and then follow it up with a piece written to go along with it. That way I get into the habit of taking pictures as well as paying attention to my writing. I am a writer, but it is shoved aside to accommodate work, and life really. Right, let’s take this one step at a time. This won’t be a journal or a pictorial version of a vlogger, you don’t need to know about my every move during the course of my day. I don’t know how many of you are out there reading this, I don’t even know if there’s anyone at all. I create on this space where I can’t see my stats — not how many views, not how many visits — nothing. I for one don’t have a problem with that. I could change it anytime I want, but I choose not to know. Then I will very likely become obsessive about it, and ask way to many questions, doubt myself and eventually become too depressed about it, have a glass of red wine and never speak of this blog again. Shall we not? Numbers is not important to me — if you are reading this, thank you, I appreciate it, but really I am first and foremost doing this for myself. One of my favourite quotes these days comes from Sex and the City, as said my Samantha Jones: “I love you, but I love me more.” I don’t mean that in a vain way, but I am twenty-three years old and I need to pay attention to myself if I want to make any sort of success or be in any sort of relationship — be it platonic or more. Firstly know yourself and be comfortable with who you are.

I am starting a new project on a Thursday — my favourite day of the week (completely unplanned and oblivious until this very second). Normally I don’t start a journey on any other day than a Monday, but I am breaking the ‘rule’ and starting a habit non the less. Why not? Here’s to #365DaysofHabits.

#2015 #habits #photography #365daysofhabitsphotoadaywritewriting