Emerging from the Abyss: A Photographer’s Journey through Loss, Struggle, and Resilience
Is this Title Too Bold? Read My Journey and Decide for Yourself.
I’ve been absent from this blog for an extensive period. The last entry I made was on March 21st, and looking at the calendar today, it’s already September 24th. The stretch of time shocks me. Today is Sunday, and the interval between those dates begs the question: What happened during this hiatus? What took me away forcefully?
I’d like to recount a series of events, particularly for fellow photographers, as this might offer insights, both presently and in the foreseeable future. However, it’s important to note that the experiences I share are not exclusive to photographers alone; they are typically human encounters. As human beings, we are bound to face trials and challenges. These are inescapable aspects of life. The only way to evade challenges is to detach oneself from the world entirely. Yet, no saint has ever embraced such a quest to flee from sinners, for doing so would necessitate leaving the world altogether.
A couple of years ago, I experienced a profound loss: my camera. While out at sea in a canoe, my camera slipped from my grip and vanished into the depths. It might sound like a fable, but this unfortunate event indeed unfolded. I laugh sometimes when I think about it. It happened on the hottest afternoon I had ever experienced. Months later, I also lost my computer — the instrument through which I expressed my thoughts in writing — writing here, on LinkedIn and Twitter. Photography and writing were the two domains where I believed I excelled to a certain degree, and now, I found myself losing what meant everything to me at that time.
Financial circumstances added to the struggle. Prices soared to unreasonable levels, similar to the prices of cocaine, leaving my heart skipping beats upon hearing the cost of even a basic gadget. These trying times pressed heavily upon me.
Moreover, I struggled with my faith and relationship with God, battling with petty sins that seemed senseless, although, in truth, no sin truly makes sense. I ended up abandoning photography entirely. Additionally, my Twitter account, once a platform for sharing content with fellow photographers, was hacked and inaccessible. My attempts to regain control proved futile, further shattering my spirit.
Presently, this blog remains my sole platform as a photographer. I aspire to breathe life into it, acquire a new camera, and craft more books for photographers. I previously penned a book, “The Photographer’s Companion: Picture Perfect, A Beginner’s Guide to Photography,” which wasted away in a folder on my eternal HDD for an extended period.
If you find yourself in a chaotic phase, where you perceive your struggles as unique and unbeatable, remember this: you can emerge from the darkness into the light. I emerged from this dark and gloomy phase, striving to create more content. Don’t burden yourself with the notion that you must have life completely figured out by a certain age. Life is a continuous journey of discovery until we depart this earth. I have yet to encounter a person who can confidently claim, “I’ve figured life out.” No matter what befalls you, find a way to stay engaged and occupied. An idle mind is a breeding ground for negative thoughts. Progress never stems from idleness; progress requires action.
Recently, I read a book that delved into Spartan discipline, and I resonated with every page. The book emphasized a key point: world-changers possess an unwavering focus, directing all their energies toward a single goal. If the goal remains unattained, they refuse to move forward until they achieve it. In this context, progress is synonymous with achievement. Remove distractions and concentrate solely on that one objective until it is realized.
I lost my focus when things deviated from the planned course. I knew what was right, yet failed to act accordingly. As Plutarch astutely observed,
“All Greeks know what is right, only Spartans do it.”
Mere awareness of what is right falls short. Mere comprehension falls short. The pivotal verb is “doing” — this is what you and I need to set in motion.
This wisdom stems from a disheartened photographer who currently possesses no camera, yet is endeavoring to find his way. A photographer who has not actively practiced photography for nearly three years. I long for those moments of capturing the sunsets and sunrises, a passion evident if you peruse my Instagram.
Whatever trials you are enduring, remember they are transient. Do not lose hope, for there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I failed to communicate rightly what transpired throughout this hiatus, but I hope this did communicate something. Thank you for your support.
