We are in unprecedented times with the COVID19 virus shutting much of life down. While, at Pixologie, we’ve been hearing stories of people taking this time to work on their photo collections, we’ve also heard some different thoughts.
Consider this from one of our supporters, “My wife is working on other projects because she finds the family photos to be depressing to look at.” Another one of our biggest fans can’t look beyond the first batch of photos before choking up and closing the lid on the box.
So, this week’s Ask the Pixologist question is “How do I enjoy looking at my photos during a time like this?” While it’s easy to say this time as referring to the national crisis we are all experiencing, many people find it hard to look at photos during normal life.
Some Thoughts to Consider
Often, death and other tragedies put roadblocks on celebrating the past times in life shared together. Here’s a few points to maybe make it easier to enjoy your pictures.
- Funny memories help take the edge off the sadness – laughter truly is the best medicine
- Organizing and getting rid of unneeded photos can feel cathartic
- Photos connect you to the people and times of life you may feel you have lost
- Scenes from the past may inspire you to try new things and move forward in life
My dad battled health issues most of my life from needing dialysis when I was a little girl, to a kidney transplant to major heart attacks and more. He died around five years ago and my photos of him remind me of the life he lived. My sister, Rosie and I, grew up knowing that you just kept working and moving forward despite your health problems.
In the picture above, taken two months before my dad died on 2015, my sister and I enjoyed a birthday burger bar date with my dad. We had the best time of our lives that day (and a bit more noontime drinking then I ever did before). The lessons from the photo are these:
- Celebrate life every day, because you don’t know when your time is coming
- Enjoy your family while you can, don’t take the birthdays for granted – My dad was only 68 when he died.
- Snap photos when you are together
- Relive the memories and share them
Click here for the YouTube video on this question and to see a fun video of my dad’s 68th birthday.
So, I don’t know if this helps answer the question about enjoying photos during tough times. Are you still wondering how to enjoy your photos? Leave a comment below and let us know what thoughts you have about your photos and memories.
Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With You During the COVID19 National Crisis
Need some more inspiration and ideas for your photo collection? Check out our YouTube channel and subscribe to get the latest from us. Stay well during this COVID19 shutdown and hopefully we’ll all get through this.