I woke up this morning with the thought I have fallen out of love with photography. When we first met, photography was a magic bus that transported me to other places and dimensions. Photography told me stories of how the world can be and how it is at the same time. It was beautiful, intimate, and inviting. I was able to get lost in light and photography helped me see and organize things so they made sense. It helped me connect with people and communicate.

As I write, I realize all of the above is still true. The truth is I’ve fallen out of love with you. With access to some of the best ways to communicate and connect, humanity has turned everything into a status game at the expense of actual connection and true compassion.

I suppose technology has shown just how small we are in the world. The pessimist in me says “See, there’s no point in even trying to connect, because no one is actually listening or interested.” I’m standing at the ocean with a thimble, hoping to make a difference.

Why am I writing this? Because, I have hope. The fact that I’m not so special doesn’t diminish the connections I have. Seth Godin always talks about working to serve the smallest possible audience. I don’t need millions of friends/followers/whatever who don’t care, I need ten who really do. I need to connect with them beyond the work of creating. I need community.

So, that’s a bummer. Let’s get back to joy, shall we?

It’s morning again, I’m grateful to be alive. I’m grateful for my health, family, and friends. I love people and I am loved. There is no one in my life I would call an enemy. My problem isn’t the world, it is me. I can’t change the world to fit my needs, I can only change myself to function in the world as it is.

Any look at history or literature would clearly show that my issues with existence are not new. The human condition is based on craving and resisting connection at the same time. We don’t have big nasty claws or other means to defend ourselves besides blunt insult and various forms of subtle shunning. We’re all vulnerable because we really need each other to survive. Imagine the world where we acted as such? Today is the day to give it another chance.