A new year is often meant to arrive with energy, motivation, and fresh momentum. But this year, for me, it hasn’t quite worked that way.
I’ve not had much enthusiasm recently. I’ve even been off work for the last week over Christmas and, if I’m honest, I haven’t made the most of the extra free time. I had planned a New Year’s Day shoot — something that has almost become a tradition for me. Every year, I usually head out with a camera and mark the start of the year that way.
Last night I didn’t sleep well. I woke early and saw a beautiful sunrise, the kind that normally has me reaching straight for my camera. This time, though, not a part of me thought, grab the camera and go. And that surprised me.
Talking to Andy the other day about pinhole photography gave me a bit of a boost. It reminded me why I love film photography in the first place, and I’m hopeful that this year I’ll find that mojo again. I don’t really know why creative slumps happen. Maybe it’s lack off free time, or the feeling that I should be using my time elsewhere. Life has plenty of pressures, and creativity often feels like the first thing to be pushed aside.
But creativity, for me, isn’t just a hobby. It feels like a need — something that gives me purpose. When I’m creating, stress and worries fade into the background. And the longer I don’t get out and make something, the harder it becomes to break that cycle.
I see the same pattern in my Christian faith. I can call myself a Christian, but to truly feel connected to God, I need to spend time reading my Bible and praying. Just like creativity, that connection doesn’t stay strong on its own — it needs intention, time, and effort.
So maybe this new year isn’t about a sudden burst of enthusiasm or big resolutions. Maybe it’s about gently returning to the things that matter, even when the motivation isn’t there yet. Trusting that if I take small steps — pick up the camera, open the Bible, step outside — the feeling will follow in time.
Comments
Post a Comment