Myself, that’s who I am–I have to remember that. If anybody ever asks me, “Who are you?” (sort of like the Who song, if you’re old enough to remember that) that’s what I would say. Last night I went to a meeting of a photography group I belong to and saw a presentation by a member of how he creates fantasy posters using Photoshop. In addition placed around the room were amazing wedding photos turned into posters that he had taken. He went into some detail about how he captured the wedding pictures, how he also does videography, how he edits and sets up these events with the proper lighting, how he presents the finished products to the bride and groom, the classes he has taken, etc. I (and everyone else I think) was extremely impressed, although he was not a braggart by any means. He is actually quite self-effacing (which is just being nice, I think) which he should not be at all. His knowledge level is exponentially higher than mine and I felt a little overwhelmed and inferior at the end of the meeting. I know that was not his intention because he is really very nice, but I started doing what I usually do–and that is “looking over the fence at other people’s yards”–that is to say, comparing myself to everyone else and coming up short. I started thinking that my pictures really suck, and what’s the point in even bothering if this is who I have to compete with. In addition, just to complete my mood, one of the members advertised a “paying” photo job for a family reunion this Saturday. She said she might need two people, so if anyone was interested to give her our numbers, which I did at the end of the meeting. But, then I found out that this man had given his number, so I just said to her that there was no point in bothering. The end result is that of course he will be the photographer and if I want, I will go just to learn. I thought about this last night and today and decided that I cannot be a chameleon; just because he is great at what he does should not invalidate me. I started saying to myself, “Why would they even choose me–I am nothing–while he is someone.” It’s so sad that I do this to myself because I must remember that I am me–myself–and nobody else, and I have qualities I’m sure he does not have. That old song by Sly and the Family Stone, “Everybody is a Star”, is so true. We are all ourselves with our own wonders and just because we don’t make a living at it or receive accolades does not discount it. Now if I can just get myself to believe this when I get attacked by the “I’m worthless” monster that so often is lurking just out of site, ready to attack at the sign of weakness.
Tag: loving yourself
Value Yourself
Learning to value yourself is a lesson that is not easy for most people. Today I had a friend request on Twitter from an amazing photographer and author. First of all, my first reaction was, “Why would someone of his caliber even bother wanting to follow me?” Then I logged onto his profile and saw the most fantastic photographs from all over the world, but instead of marveling at his talent, I felt inadequate and small. At that moment I was ready to just give up on myself because I felt, “What’s the point, I’ll never even be in his league.” But as my wise friend Janet always used to tell me when I started comparing myself to others and coming up short, “Stop looking over the fence at other people’s yards.” I have to remember, I just started back with photography, after many years of just using a point and shoot camera. That negative thinking would prevent many people from writing, blogging, playing tennis, skiing, or anything if they compared themselves to the pros. I must realize that my work has value and I am a valuable person. Even if I don’t make a red cent on my pictures or my writing, it is a creative outlet for me and I must remember that I am valuable.