I recently upgraded to a new camera on a different operating system. For those who haven’t done this before, it’s akin to relearning to walk. Okay, that may be a tad dramatic, but basically, it’s been an exercise in humility, one that didn’t quite hit until after a few weeks on the struggle bus.
I took myself and my camera to the zoo a few weeks ago. I weaved my way through the maze of young families while adjusting and readjusting the settings on my camera. Trying to take my time and have patience while feeling frustrated that I couldn’t quite get the camera to do what I wanted.
I was a bit lost in this haze of frustration when a small face appeared and said “hi” in a way that only a child on a mission can. She smiled up at me, quickly glanced at the camera in my hand and proudly raised her hand with her camera, stating enthusiastically that she had just gotten a new camera. Then, just as quickly as she had appeared, she ran off, having successfully shared her excitement with a fellow photographer.
It was brief, I barely had time to share the excitement of this young creative spirit, but it was long enough to serve as a reminder to access that excitement.
I like to think we’re all still those excited kids inside, eager to explore and share our joy with those around us. Along the way, the world and our egos get in the way, which is fine it happens. But in case you needed the reminder, it doesn’t need to be perfect. Feel free to explore, learn, relearn, get messy, make mistakes, and take awful blurry photos from awkward angles.
Those awkward moments are sometimes the ones that remind us of who we are. They remind us to be kind not just to others, but to ourselves.
Be Kind. Be Brave, Stay Awkward.
Onward & Awkward 