by Kim
"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain"
- Joseph Campbell
To be perfectly honest . . . I'm having a hard time finding a place inside where there's joy.
It's not that I'm unhappy.
It's just that sometimes life throws curve balls when your not wearing a catchers mitt.
And I'm sure I don't need to tell you, it stings, a lot!
So . . . I've been on a mission to see about finding that misplaced joy, to not only burn out the pain, but to accept it should the source of it not go away.
You see, my son was diagnosed recently with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis. He was perfectly fine one day, and terribly ill the next. And as a parent, that can suck the joy right out of ya!
In the last 8 weeks between weekly doctors visits with specialists, and testing, and infusions I have had to make a point to go to that place where there is joy, even if it is temporary. Where everything just melts away with the help of my camera.
Really, it's got to be better than drug therapy. AND cheaper, unless like me you are raising Monarch caterpillars, just sayin'!
So off to my local mom and pop nursery, all 6 (or 8 ?) acres of it. Did I mention that they all know me by name? I just know they are thinking, there's that lady with her camera, again.
There is always some kind of fountain trickling and it's such a relaxing sound! Yep, I'm starting to feel the joy . . .
And watching and photographing honey bees always makes me {bee}happy!
And OH, you can always count on someone there to have a little sense of humor, which also aids in the whole joy thing. Seriously, are these not the cutest things ever? I just want to bring them home in the wagon, along with the sign, and put them in my front yard.
What about you? Do you have a go to place when life gets you down and you need a little joy? "Got Milk"?
12 comments:
Hoping you found some joy while shooting at your favorite little nursery, Kim. It looks like a wonderful place to spend some time and find the small things that bring us pleasure. Did you take those little cows home with you? They look all ready to go. :)
Time, tea, the camera. Those are the things I need for the curve balls. My resilience is not what it was in "youth" so the time it takes to come back to a place of joy for me is slower. I'd have to say the camera is my "go to," and fishing, of course, fishing. The worry and sorrow fall away when I am fishing and I really believe it is magical medicine, that. I wish you peace and ease on this journey with your son.
Pam
I hear your story loud and clear. My husband has been very I'll the last year and a half and our lives have changed so much with the routine of appts. My camera has been a way of capturing beauty when I cannot find it in me. Valerie
My camera has been such a source of joy for me...it acts as a tool to help me remember to enjoy the present moment. It definitely takes my mind off things when I'm worried or stressed. I'm glad you have this tool right now, too, Kim - sending you good thoughts as you try your best to catch those curve balls! {{{Hugs}}}
P.S. Your photos are gorgeous, as always! :)
Yes. Life's curve balls. They happen to us all. You're in good company, Kim. I think it's safe to say for most, if not all, of the FOL family that our cameras are our go-to for stress-relief, the tool we rely on for bringing us joy when joy seems elusive. Big hugs, Kim ... we're here for you.
As Dotti said,above, all of your FOL sisters are here for you as you work through the inevitable ups and downs of this. Your photos are beautiful and I'm glad you've found the place that can bring you back to "joy." My place is a sanctuary near my home, and my camera in hand. It works every time to clear my mind, to make me smile, to bring me joy.
I know that this blog helps me to find joy. I am glad that taking photos is helping you. I hope that knowing we are here praying for you and your family will help too.
Reading your blog and spending time with the FOL girls cheers me up, I always get to read the blog in the evening and it has become a daily habit...
I'm glad you're taking time for yourself. I find joy near water, whether it's a lake, pond, river, or creek. The quietness and motion soothes me and brings me joy. Of course, I usually have my camera in hand, although I spent a lot of time just watching and listening.
Yep, found me some joy this morning at my local fav garden center, and ya know I am sure they say the same thing about me, oh here comes that lady with the camera....you have to take those golden moments and relish in them to be able to strengthen yourself for the not so joyful times...we all have them. Beautiful post, beautiful images!!
Your image of the purple flower just took my breath away! Finding joy on a regular basis is so necessary to help us get through the not-so-joyful times. I'm another nursery haunter and I know by now they are thinking the same thing about me and my camera! I do try to buy something whenever I go, however. You know, bring a little of that joy home. Glad you are able to make some time for yourself -- so important when dealing with life's issues. Thanks for a beautiful post!
Hi Kim, I've thought a lot about you as you go through this. I imagine your life is just upside down, and there is NOTHING worse than feeling for your sick child. I send you blessings upon blessings, to find your new routine that will keep you and your son comfortable. Until then - yes- the camera!! For me it is my meditation!
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