Capturing the Moment

There is something about capturing a moment in time that is magical, and almost visceral.  In certain pictures you can feel the emotion being conveyed in that moment. It is a gift to be able to capture that moment, and preserve it for a lifetime of memories.

Maria Spillane being recognized for achieving National Vice President in Arbonne. Photograph taken by Alexis Krukovsky.

The record is there, and you can immerse yourself in that moment at anytime.  Anyone who has lost someone close to them, you realize how important pictures are because they bring you back to that time and place. The part of that memory you hold dear is an important gateway to the soul, and it’s easy to get lost in it.  The most important part is to take the memory and hold it close to you, and keep it with you as long as you need it.

It doesn’t need to be that dramatic, though.  It can be sending a friend a picture when they are away, or finding a hilarious event and reposting it.  It brings you back to time, place, and emotion.

Nature and Grieving

Turbulence

Immersing
in the
cold,
dark,
windy,
turbulent
ocean

I feel
the
pain
Ebb
from
my soul.

She will
die.
We will
Grieve.

I will
Heal
in

Nature.

Accomplishment and “Me” Time

I love my life, and the past two days have been inexplicably exhausting and awesome at the same time.  When you accomplish something that originally felt far away and almost unattainable, the feeling is immeasurably awesome.  That is how I felt yesterday.  I got promoted in my business, and just a few days ago I had no idea how I was going to get it done.  I just Believed and Knew I would.

Ocean is magical in the winter. Photograph taken by Alexis Krukovsky.

Something that I had been lacking before.  I said I would get a big goal done, but I wouldn’t actually believe it. Now, I believe it. What a freaking difference that makes.  Previously, I honestly wasn’t sure how much that mattered.  Guess what?  It does.

The flip side is what you need to get your goals done.  I’m talking relaxing “me” time.  Everyone should have goals, vision, and a plan to get it done.  People also however need some time for themselves.  I find, and everyone is different, if I don’t get “me” time, I lose focus.  I spent the night relaxing with one of my closest friends before the start of this crazy month where we both have big goals.  It was a much needed respite, and it restored some sanity to my brain.

Goals – Creating Your Own Definition

Goals. It’s a word that people throw around all time often without much meaning behind it. What does it mean, though? I always thought it had to be some grand, epic event that I was striving to get to. And it can be, absolutely. But it doesn’t really matter what it is, as long as it matters to you. A goal is something that drives you every day towards a greater sense of self. Big or small, short or long-term.

Photograph taken by Alexis Krukovsky. Taken in Lambertville along the Tow Path during the Spring.

It could be going for a promotion, taking the perfect photograph, or doing something that is outside your comfort zone that will be a victory for only you to recognize.  The point is to tie your goal into whatever you are passionate about, and make it fun because then you will actually do it.

It may sound odd or even corny. But just wait until you start planning the goal, and writing down the plan to fulfill it. It changes your entire mindset. No matter how small that shift may be, and you will start to see a change in yourself. It was mind blowing for me. Then you will start to shine brighter than you ever thought possible.

And maybe even Dream again.

Reflection, Movies, and Boots

It is the rare movie that connects with you in such a profound, guttural, and personal way that reaches down to your soul in a very real sense.  Wild is one of those movies for me.

Photograph taken by Pete Kreiger. A moment of quiet reflection.

This entry is not about the movie.  It was just the catalyst of inspiration.  I find introspection and relief through nature, and it is often by myself.  I feel rooted-an escape from the madness that is life.  It’s just you, nature, and your boots.

I like people, and enjoy their company.  However, there is a visceral need to be alone and recharge, which brings me clarity of vision.  This is when I retreat to my places of peace and I disconnect from others.

I return refreshed, content, and often determined to get things done with new-found purpose.

Music and Magic

There are very few things that touches the soul of all humans on earth like music does.

Maria Woodford at International Blues Challenge 2013 Semi-finals

Music fills me with a passion and sense of self, only resembled when I am on the water.  It is a grounding force in my life, and when I can’t get on the water, I search for music and/or nature.  I have a few places of reflection and peace I turn to on a a regular basis.  The water, nature, music, and writing.  On perfect days, they all meld into one magical experience of light and wonder.

Whitewater and Connection with Nature

I become instantly still when on the river.

Whitewater canoeing during winter. Photo by Kevin O’Neill

The river is my outlet, my passion, and my place of confidence.  Everyone needs to find their own special place in life, and the river is mine.