Yesterday, a friend sent me several pictures of my brothers that I had never seen before. I posted one on social media and attached another to this post. I’ve written about my brothers previously, as they have impacted my life immeasurably.
Since it is the weekend, I will keep this simple. I am grateful for my brothers.
I often get asked about the pictures I attach to my posts. The most common question is whether I took the picture, followed by inquiries about where and when it was taken.
Most of the pictures I take are from my daily life, vacations, or sporting events. I have loved photography for many years. I was fortunate to have parents who supported this passion and never questioned the costs associated with developing photos. Similarly, when I decided to pursue photography again a few years ago, my spouse was very supportive and even gifted me a camera for Christmas.
I have four different cameras, including my mobile phone. Each camera serves a unique purpose and is used in a specific way. It’s an expensive hobby, but it brings me a great deal of joy.
Hobbies are important because they enrich our lives in various ways, contributing to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are a few key reasons:
Today, take a moment to appreciate your hobbies and the people who support you in pursuing them.
The purpose of this challenge is to take a moment to appreciate the beauty surrounding us. A few days ago, I shared a post about the beauty of a gift I received—a camera. I also included one of my favorite football pictures. Below is the story about one of the first pictures I took.
When I was young, my mother used to give each of her children a Christmas ornament every year. Some years, the ornaments had a similar theme. I remember a Wizard of Oz themed year and another year with a fairy tale theme, when I got a Puss-in-Boots ornament. My first ornament was a train, and I still have it.
When I was three or four, I received a football player ornament that became my favorite. Even now, it remains front and center on our tree, a reminder of Christmases past, present, and future. I took one of the first pictures with my new camera of this special ornament. Like me, it has aged. While some may not find it beautiful, it holds a special meaning for me. Sometimes, beauty is found in memories or photo albums.
There is a current trend on Instagram asking people to post an old picture of you. If you don’t, you will have bad luck for two years. My life changed with a picture. The picture is at the top of this post. I remember taking the picture. It was a seasonably warm November day. The semester was wrapping up and I decided to teach a class in a hoodie. More importantly, I decided to memorialize the moment with a photograph.
Those that know me, know I like to take pictures. I have three primary cameras, a Nikon Z6, Canon PowerShot G7 Mark II, and my iPhone. Two years ago, I set up the Canon on a small tripod outside, used the remote photography feature through my phone, and snapped the photo. I posted the photo on social media with the following:
I’m teaching class today in my @augievolleyball hoodie Why?
1. Because I love the coaches and players
2. Because I can!
3. It’s a great day
4. My @augietennis hoodie is worn out
5. It’s the only Augie hoodie I have
6. My mom will probably appreciate a picture of me.
The post was intended to be lighthearted and funny. It was. But later that day I looked at the picture and said “Something has to change. I can’t be like this anymore.” For two years, I have been living healthier and happier.
Today I am grateful for at least two things. First, I am grateful for my interest in and the gift of photography. Photography captures moments. I love the moment I have captured over the years. Photographs serve as a reminder of the past. While one shouldn’t dwell on the past, it is entirely appropriate to reflect on the past. Second, I am grateful for the ability to change. One has the power to change. You just have to decide and act.
The challenge today, in addition to no complaining (remember day 1), is to ponder your hobbies or passions. Be grateful for those hobbies or passions. I love the stories pictures tell. So today, find an old photo of you and post it…or you might have two years of bad luck!
I try to live each day in gratitude. Some days are more challenging than others. Finding something to be grateful for improves my mood and attitude. When grateful, I am a better husband, father, friend, and person. Gratitude provides balance is in an uncertain world.
As many of you know, I like to take pictures. I first began taking pictures when I was younger (4th grade). I particularly enjoy taking pictures at athletic events. This was inspired by reading Sports Illustrated. I was always fascinated by the pictures of athletes in action.
About six years ago, I began taking pictures of my youngest son. I did this primarily for me – to calm my nerves while he played. Then I began taking pictures of his teammates and other players I knew. I would share these pictures with the players and their parents. Most seemed very appreciative. While it took hours to process the photographs, the gratitude that I felt in sharing it with others was worth of work.
I eventually branched out and began taking pictures of student-athletes at the University where I teach. I would share these pictures on social media and with the players. I didn’t do this to receive praise. Rather, I enjoyed taking the pictures and I enjoyed giving to the students. Student-athlete work so hard and get so little attention. (Note: My University is a Division II University not a top tier D1).
Last night, I was invited to attend the spirit squad season ending showcase event at my university. (I would’ve gone even if nobody had asked because several members of the spirit squad are students of mine and deserve faculty support.) It was a wonderful and fun event full of dance, cheer, and happiness. And of course, I brought my camera and took over 1000 pictures. I’m still processing them but some are posted on my Instagram and Facebook page. I’ll work on some more tonight.
Midway through the event, I was asked to come down to the floor. While they were initial hopes that I would become “a flyer” it was not to be. Rather, I was called to be recognized by the squad for my support of them. The certificate of appreciation states gratitude for my “continuous support, your genuine excitement and appreciation of our skills and talents and for capturing those moments on film.” There were other kind words spoken and the spirit squad cheered for me. What an honor.
So today, it’s easy to find my gratitude. I’m grateful for the spirit squad at my university and my students. I often forget how busy their lives are. I often forget how hard they have to work outside of the classroom. And many of these students receive very little recognition or support. I hope that my taking pictures and sharing helps them feel recognized, supported, and appreciated.
Take time today to be grateful for one thing and share your gratitude with others.
Sireadh Toileachas 