What’s Your Intention For Your 365?
Posted by Katrina Kennedy on Oct 12, 2012 in 365, Blog | 7 comments
There is a lot of discussion in the CY365 Forum about intentions for next year.
People are weighing their options for 2013 as they approach completion of their 2012 365 projects. Maybe a photo a week with Project52? Keep on going with another year of 365? Perhaps just have the freedom and flexibility to follow the CY365 prompts when you want and skip those prompts that don’t inspire you.
They are tough choices about purpose, energy, and effort.
I live in the Simply Can’t Stop Camp of Project 365. I started this journey in February 2008 and even with the tough days, I find myself compelled to continue.
I toy with stopping. But honestly, that scares me a bit. I’m not scared I will miss life details or leave something unrecorded. I’m scared not picking up my camera will become too easy. It’s like exercise. I know I get it done when things are routine. Step away from the routine and things get wonky.
But that is what works for me.
You are different.
Find what fits for YOU. Maybe that is every day. Maybe you dive into Project Life or P52. Maybe you do 365 with your phone. Maybe you make it a self portrait project.
Or maybe you only take photos on Fridays.
But before you make your decision for next year, will you do one thing for ME? Well. It really is for you.
Savor the rest of your 2012 project. Drink in the moments. Treasure each push of your shutter, not as something you need to complete but as a testament to the amazing lives we are all leading. The amazing moments we are given full of beauty in every single detail.
Treasure it. Just like you will treasure the photos from whatever choice you make for next year.
Whatever you decide, make it yours. Make the decision with your whole heart and know that you are doing the right thing.
We’ll be here for you.
CaptureYour365 is about inspiration+ideas+support for your everyday photography even when it isn’t every day!
Where are you with your project? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
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Since I am responsible for starting this discussion a few days ago, I feel obligated to comment here.
First I want to say that I don’t think I would have finished this year without the inspiration and support of everyone at CY365. Even though this is only my second year of P365, there have been times when I’ve been less than motivated to take my daily photo, sometimes waiting until just before bedtime to grab something for the day. I didn’t want this project to turn into a book full of boring photos from my boring life. (I made a photo book of my first P365 and am scrapping the current year with plans for another book) I have been pleasantly surprised each week that, after completing my scrap page and uploading it to my Shutterfly album, my photos and life aren’t really boring at all. So many times since starting this project 40 weeks ago I’ve found myself previewing my photo book, from the beginning, and reliving this past year. It makes me smile. It reminds me what makes me happy and thankful. There is no boring. Each photo, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time, is part of me and my life.
I haven’t decided yet what I’ll do for 2013. As Katrina said, I’ve gotten used to handling my camera every day. I don’t know how I’d feel without our daily interaction. For now, I’m going to enjoy the next three months of my Project 365+1. I’ll know when the time gets closer to 2013 exactly which path I’ll take. No matter which way I decide to go, I’ll still be posting and participating at CY365.
“I toy with stopping. But honestly, that scares me a bit. I’m not scared I will miss life details or leave something unrecorded. I’m scared not picking up my camera will become too easy. It’s like exercise. I know I get it done when things are routine. Step away from the routine and things get wonky.”
THAT is EXACTLY how I feel!!! I mean … just EXACTLY!!!
I think I’ll keep going. Your prompts make it easier and I’d hate to see all I’ve learned from you go to waste!
Some days are REALLY hard, but I’ve managed to come up with something for 9 1/2 months so far. At the end of every month I scrap the photos, and write a summary of what we did that month. Along with my Take Twelve layouts I have a nice album of our year put together. Since I have never scrapped chronologically, it’s a first.
Do I love every photo? No, but I love the outcome. Without the CY365 community, I’m guessing I would have given up by now. I love the daily email prompts, and my husband frequently asks me what it is, and sometimes has some great suggestions. Will I do it in 2013? I’m guessing, yes, but I am looking for a new way to document the process for next year.
I have only been doing the 365+1 since the beggining of october and i have been having a blast. it makes me feel a lot more creative and it pushes me to try different shots. granted i only have a small little kodak point and shoot, but it works for me and i enjoy using it. i dont end up with the perfect shots each time, but they work and i thank you, katrina, for doing what wou do. you, along with everyone else on here, inspire me to do my best and try new things. so thank you, from the bottom of my heart. i look forward to finishing out 2012 with your prompts and insight.
I am contemplating starting a p365, and I am so nervous about it. I am not sure why. I have been getting Katrinas daily prompts for several months now. After seeing this, I think my nervousness is all about the intention/purpose of doing it. My world is so small, and my house is naturally dark… I am sabotaging this before I even start. However, whether I get all 365, or not, this seems like something I need to try. I can’t wait to start this journey in the New Year.
Jennifer, I understand your hesitation. The beauty of 365 is that you do begin to see things in a different way than you did before. A dark house makes it a bit more difficult, but not impossible. We’re here for you!
Thanks Katrina. I have also started to pretend that it is the New Year already. Having to wait, even for just a few days, made it worse so I have started just picking up my camera each day. Even if I don’t take a picture, at least start the habit of going to grab it.
I must admit I never really looked any further than the emails I received with the prompts, but there is so much more here. I will have to set aside some time to explore some more!