Feeling Compassion For My Younger Self

In April I received an email from a couple whose engagement and wedding I photographed over a decade ago. They needed the images and I promptly sent them over.

As I looked through my old work, I felt a lot of compassion for my younger self who was always so insecure and critical inside.
I don’t know about you, but I grew up in an environment where criticism abounded, and it was always a zero-sum game.
It took me forever to even distinguish that critical voice in my head, and I had to intentionally work on it for years to let it go.

It can take a while to undo such conditioning and to learn to give ourselves love, understanding, and kindness, whether we are producing good or bad work, whether we “succeed” or “fail.”

But it’s 100% possible.

As I located the files in my archive, I looked back at all those photos and I remembered how I felt anxious, and not good enough, and worried!
And looking at those pictures* now, the shots are so beautiful!
I remembered the giant tree I photographed, the warm sunset, and the joy of capturing those special moments in life that are filled with love and family.

Don’t wait to appreciate yourself and all you do. You are awesome NOW.

Above all, always have a kind and encouraging word for others in your life.
Work with people who are generous and want the best for all involved.
Remember that – if you are lucky – you will look back from old age and what now seems scary and tough, will appear amazing and a gift with the wisdom of time.
You too will feel a warm sense of compassion for your younger self.

When we love and appreciate each other, we co create the kind of world that makes life a little more beautiful.

Please note: The images in this post are my own, but not from that wedding, to protect people’s privacy.