searchingtoseebreathe
When I push the shutter release, I close my eyes.
(Annelies Strba, from Shades of Time)
I have done a lot of reflecting during this holiday period. I’ve read a lot of blog posts and facebook updates about fresh starts and being thankful and realising what’s important, and all that. I’m not knocking any of it. It’s all good and true, of course. It’s been refreshing, and liberating, to have some time to just be without the pressures of work and the day-to-day (of course I know this is only a temporary state, so I’m bracing myself for the full onslaught which comes with immersing myself back into the deep end of life). One thing which has struck me head on, though, throughout all the great stuff (and there is lots of great stuff!) is just how busy 2014 has been. And not entirely in a good way. I always like being busy. I need busy. But I have learned it is definitely not good to busy yourself to the point that you find yourself collapsing in a crumpled heap over the finish line on your hands and knees with a white flag between your teeth. It ends, usually, in tears, frustration and wounds, the kind of which you can’t slap a plaster on; the kind which take much time and effort to heal. It benefits no-one in the end, least of all you.
So at the start of this year. This shiny, brand spanking new clean sheet of a year, I am going to gift myself some much needed advice.
Just give yourself a moment.
Just breathe.
Breathe in
and out.
Look.
Close your eyes
and
see.
Happy New Year to all, and I wish you a peaceful, fulfilling and inspiring year ahead.
© images and words Emily Hughes, 2015
searchingtosee 
Good advice – and a lovely shot as well
Thanks!
Happy New Year Emily. Wise words, sums it up nicely. x
Thanks Jo – and a very happy new year to you too! 😄
Gorgeous photo and gorgeous (much needed) words to go with it. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too Kitty!
Aww … You are such a darling🌸🌸🌸😊
😉
Absolutely true words, Emily. Here’s to making healthy choices (in every way) in 2105. I wish you lots of ‘breathing’ time.
yes – healthy choices – definitely! Just hope it lasts beyond January!
So true – there is much glorification of busy these days. Wishing you a calm and happy year ahead.
Yes – so true! Happy new year to you too!
I do give myself some moments!!!
😄 happy new year, Jesus!
I’m glad 2014 is behind me and 2015 ahead. I will take your advice. Thanks.
🙂
wonderful post and picture, Emily!Thank you ;O)
thank you 🙂
A beautiful post Emily, whatever the time of year. Wishing you peace, space and time in between doing!
and to you, Patti – thanks for your lovely comments!
I am with you! And this glorious image is an inspiration.
thanks Elena! Hope you too find some breathing space this year!
Wonderful image. Have a great (and slower) 2015, Emily!
thanks Richard! I’ll try to!
Wise words, and a very wise choice to make. Agreed on all counts – there’s a point where ‘busy’ is in no way productive (well, not of anything good, at least). Wishing you a slower and happier 2015 … and wishing the same for me and many people I know! Here’s hoping we manage that.
I wish you the same! Hope the exhibition goes well!