i was sitting on the train this evening, headed back home, staring out the window and listening to music. my love was sitting across from me. i felt calm and at peace. i was simply in the present moment. we were returning after a little 2 day trip, which did not turn out how we had imagined. it was good, nonetheless. but, that’s irrelevant. what fluttered in and out of my mind while the train sped through the swedish countryside was more important.
i checked my instagram account a few times, and i noticed something. there are quite a few people who have joined in my may photo journey challenge: who am i? and by quite a few, i mean a lot. it was amazing to look at the #bllphotoaday hashtag and see the faces of the beautiful women from all over the world who tagged their “selfie” picture for today. like i can’t keep up with those of you here who are participating! but, let me just say this… i am psyched! what i have heard as feedback so far, is that people are drawn to the theme this month… the journey of self-discovery. i am humbled and so freaking excited!! i truly hope all that join in have a fabulous experience and understand for themselves what this photo a day thing can add to one’s life!
well, as the music continued to play in my ears, and the train went clickity-clack down the track, a song came on that just melted into my soul. it’s one i’ve listened to many times before, but tonight i heard it for the first time…
You sit and stare out at the rain
Or bury yourself in your books
Don’t look at no strangers
No, don’t give them any looks
Why you ask yourself, why you’re so afraid
Why you hesitate when someone asks your name
They’ll come too close if you tell them the truth
Who’s to say they want something from you
But you’re just a shell of
Your former you
That stranger in the mirror
Oh, that’s you
Why’d you look so blue?
And the only man you ever loved
You thought was gonna marry you
Died in a car accident when he was only 22
Then you just decided, love wasn’t for you
And every year since then
Has proved it to be true
Now you’re just a shell of
Your former you
That stranger in the mirror
Oh, that’s you
Why’d you look so blue?
Maybe tomorrow you will make a change
Maybe someday soon you will find the strength
Now you’re just a shell of
Your former you
That stranger in the mirror
Oh, that’s you
Why’d you look so blue?
now, this evening i wasn’t feeling blue at all as i listened to the song. but, the lyrics resonated with me because they reminded me of may’s photo journey of self -discovery. i thought about how it is my hope that this journey can be one of looking in the mirror at myself and rediscovering… well, me. perhaps a some new & some old.
and then i remembered that it was may 1, and i had made a little pact with two blogger friends of mine, to do a 31 day challenge about trying something new. one of the chicks and i said we’d begin may 1. the other one began a few days ago. anyway, i’ve been wondering what the heck i was gonna do for about a week now. i was stuck. big time. until tonight. and then i knew…
for the next 31 days as i get reacquainted with myself in my photo journey, i am also going to make a promise to spend one hour a day doing something just for me. just for my soul. these are very specific kinds of things, like writing, yoga, meditating, reading, having coffee with a friend, going to a museum, or a long walk. and so much more. i usually do these things, but it’s always a little here & there. i have a really hard time stating my opinion and saying what i want to do. so, my 31 day challenge is to take care of myself and do what i want for at least one hour a day. i’ll keep you posted.
you know, i truly believe that it is important that we learn to know who we are, and to take care of our souls. so, take a few moments and just be with yourself. listen to your heart. feel your soul. let your mind wander and dream. don’t forget who you are, and that who you are is simply wonderful!
I love the idea of spending time every day nourishing your soul in some way, very important and often neglected!
I’d love to see what other people are doing for this 30 day journey but have only seen Victoria Oldham’s (that’s how I found my way here!). I don’t have an instagram and don’t know a thing about it. I guess maybe that’s something I’ll have to learn this month.
well, most people this month are using instagram, actually. i will feature my pictures once a week, so you can see them here then!
as for instagram (IG), it is really a great way to create another community, much like the one found within the blogging world. it has been another great source of inspiration & support for me. if you have a smartphone, you can download the app, create and account, and then search for users. i am lizslens on IG. if you follow me there, then i will make sure to send your name out to my followers and we’ll get your community growing.
the great thing about IG is that when you use hashtags (like tags in blog posts), you can see others’ photos who have tagged the same thing. there is a #bllphotoaday tag where you can see all the people who are participating in this month’s photo journey.
info overload?;)
if you have nay questions and are interested in IG, just let me know! xo