I’m still processing the amazing experience of being at CAMP with an amazing group of soulful women photographers…. And there is so much to process (figuratively, and also, literally, as in loads of photos!).
But for now, I can tell you one tiny secret…
At our first evening gathering, my friend Jen so wisely asked us to think about that one secret reason why we wanted to come to CAMP. You know, not the obvious reasons we tell ourselves and our husbands, such as: I want to sharpen my photography skills, learn more about business, socialize, teach, etc. But that one thing that hides away beneath the surface, and may or may not have anything to do with photography at all, and quite frankly, might not even seem “enough” to “justify” the expense and time away from family and work…
I’ll tell you my secret. Mine was to feel like myself ~ my fullest, deepest, wildest self ~ for at least one full day! As a new mom, I was really craving some time alone and the chance to find my way back to the true me, that often gets forgotten when I take one of my other roles: mother, wife, daughter, entrepreneur, etc. And that is not to say that I am not authentic when I play these roles, because I am. But like any human being and woman (especially!), I tend to bend a little here and there, I give too much, I try too hard, I fit the mold, and little by little, I simply end up loosing track of my own spirit…
So I can’t quite put into words the entire experience just yet, but I can tell you one thing: my wish did come true :) and truly, can you think of a better gift to bring back home than your-full-self?
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How about you? Camper or not? What is your secret? What is that one thing that you could do for yourself that would just nurture that sweet, craving spot in your heart?
oh alex, i think so many of us resonate with this very thing. we stretch ourselves in so many directions often pulling ourselves thin. so glad you gave yourself this gift of a full day to reconnect to your beautiful spirit. so great to meet you and make that banner together. love, kristin
Beautiful post, I understand and can relate to your secret. It was so great to hang out with you x.
yes. this is exactly it. this was the reason I went to — to be seen, to find and be my true self. i’m looking at my home and life in new ways. now, to just hold on to that feeling and not let it slip away. but now we have each other to remind us. wish I could have gotten to know you more … but there is always next year :)
beautiful alex, i loved, loved, loved being with your deepest, wildest self!!! thank you for bringing all of your parts with you.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
oooh, that’s a good one. being a new(ish) mom has really throw off my sense of self and identity too. i finally feel like i’m coming into my own again (2+ years later) and shutter sisters has so much to do with that. thank you!
oh alex, this couldn’t of made me happier and having you there for those first couple of days made me so happy. your presence was such a gift to me! love to you sweet soul sister and let’s try to not let our lives get to much in the way of spending time together because i love you being a part of my life. xoxo
What a precious gift to receive all wrapped up in the sun, sand and sea…
wonderful post, Alessandra…look forward to getting to know you better next time.
Thanks for sharing your secret with us ; ) I did not come into the experience knowing that I needed time alone to “reconnect” with myself. But it turns out that I did. Loved hanging with you. We have a lot in common : )
Yes, yes, yes. The gift of me, the gift of us, the gift of acceptance – and bringing that home to gift the family. It’s the true gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for being a part of the experience that made this possible, and for putting it so beautifully into words.
alex, i am so moved by what you’ve written here. who knew the reasons for going to photo camp would run so deep? enjoy your new found self! so glad to have met you.
Oh Alex, what a gorgeous post (and a gorgeous image.) I know my mama-self was surprised to re-discover my stand-alone self in a whole new way. Camp was just divine…