A Change of Focus

“What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. ”
― Maya Angelou

2020 has certainly brought about its challenges.  When I compare my life in 2020 to what my life was like in recent years, it is almost

unrecognizable.

Weekends in past years were spent chasing images in far away places.  I was constantly on the move whether I was on my way to photograph, spend time with friends and fellow photographers, or to teach or attend photography workshops and events.

Since March, I have spent a majority of my time in my home.  After working outside of my home since I was sixteen years old, I have been teaching remotely from  my home since March.

I have found that I have had to completely change my focus in order to stay positive and happy.

A typical Saturday before the pandemic would often consist of waking up at 2:00 in the morning, packing the car, and driving somewhere photogenic to experience an amazing sunrise.

Today my morning started as all of my mornings do now with a long walk with my dog, Maui.  Although I was not in an exotic location, I was able to enjoy seeing a deer family make their way safely across one of the streets in my neighborhood, a turtle peeking out from its shell, and the light as it danced across the woods with the changing sky.

While I walked, the idea for this image came to me.

I am seeking ways to continue to live and enjoy a full life even while spending more time in my home  than I would like.

I change my scenery by spending time in rooms and areas of my home and backyard where I didn’t typically spend time.

I spend time with friends on Zoom since it is more difficult for us to spend time together in person.

When the walls seem to close in on me, I can go anywhere in the world by opening up a good book.

How have you been able to change your focus?