Life Is A Journey

Life Is A Journey

Isn't it amazing how life turns out, and what unexpected twists and turns it takes you on? Things you would never even dream of suddenly become reality. People who you never met become your friends, and enrich your life in an inconceivable way.

A while ago I met an extremely talented and creative artist, and a wonderful person. We started to talk on Facebook, and eventually we met in person. Goddy Haerden is from Belgium, and at that time she was studying photography at CVO Heusden-Zolder, an institute for adult education. It was her last year and she was working on her final project Elixir du Silence. The idea behind the project was to create beautiful and peaceful images, which when combined into a mosaic break the silence and introduce noise. The same noise that we create by developing and using modern technology. The noise in which we get lost and forget about the precious moments of quietness, when we can appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

Those who know me, also know that I take any opportunity to escape the busy city life and find quiet spaces. Only then I can relax, focus on what is really important, and hopefully create images that reflect the silent moments I love so much. So by a stroke of luck, or fate, Goddy and I found a way to each other. We spent a wonderful weekend along stunning Dorset coast, taking long exposure photographs for Goddy's project, getting to know each other, and finding all the things that we have in common.

When Goddy returned back to Belgium, and after talking to her teacher about our meeting, the school invited me to their Day Of Photography. A day they organise for the students before their final exams and graduation, to present their projects in a form of an exhibition called Pixelicious. They also invite speakers and organise various workshops for the students to learn about all aspects of photography to cater for the diverse interests within the group.

I felt very privileged to be able to talk about my journey through the world of photography, and the lessons I learnt along the way. It was my first time in front of such a large audience, so my heartbeat rate was a bit higher than usual. Perhaps more than a bit. However it was priceless. To see and talk to so many people with such diversity of work, but having one thing in common - passion for what they do, was unforgettable.

Preparing for the presentation made me look back at what I have done and how I have developed so far. It made me see things I have not paid attention to, as I never thought about my whole journey. I always concentrated on the latest work, very often forgetting about the starting moments, the struggles, the frustrations, and also the little successes along the way. I highly recommend it to everybody, to look back and really see who you are, how far you have come, and what you have learnt. Here are a few lessons and thoughts that I have learnt. Those that I try to follow as best as I can...

Never Lose A Sense Of Wonder
Stay True To Who You Are
Do What You Love
Enjoy Here And Now
Beauty Can Be Found Everywhere
There Is Magic In Early Mornings
There Is Beauty In Simplicity
Eternity
Embrace The Challenge
Live The Experience
Enjoy The Journey

So my life journey took another exciting turn. It gave me a beautiful friendship. It put me through a challenge, which turned into an exciting experience of meeting many interesting and talented people. In this way I would like to thank Goddy and her wonderful friends for their support that they have given and are still giving me. To all the people I met, who came to my presentation and shared their opinions and work with me. And to all of you who connect with me one way or the other. The journey has been amazing so far, and I hope I will never reach the destination until the right time comes. Look forward to seeing you all around...

Goddy Haerden - The Soul's Window

Goddy Haerden - Elixir du Silence

CVO Heusden-Zolder

Pixelicious Facebook Page

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  1. i love this one, and plan to share on my site “my favorite photosites” for all my friends to enjoy, thank you for the glimpse of your world and your beauty

    1. Thank you very much, Tammy for your kind words, and for the share. It’s so nice to see other people who share the same thoughts and the same passion for photography…

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