YEAR OF CHANGE

For the period between 2007-2008 my work circumstances changed three times in a exclusively drastic ways. The company I work for went through acquisition two times within a year. I have changed my line manager 3 times. Perhaps more importantly, during this time I underwent a personal transformation that changed both how I see my life and the world in which we live.
I also started doing something that, little did I know at the time, would come to be a passion of mine: Photography. In January 2007 my husband bought me a little digital camera (Canon 400D), and early this year I have Canon 5D, Studio Lightning (lights), couple of good lenses, internet site, that became very popular for incredibly short period of time and clientele that grows every day. But that’s not the end, it’s where everything starts!
This blog chronicles what I have come to refer to as my ― Year of Change.

I have always loved the outdoors, but it is only in the past year or so that I have come to fully appreciate the benefits of regularly connecting with nature. When I am outdoors in nature my mind feels at peace and my soul feels alive. Even on a typical working day, when I am in an office for most of the day, I will do my best to get outside. Our office lake as I call it. Immediacy’s lake!



Some tips I’ve learnt and want to share with you:

Treat others as you would like to be treated: this is known as the Ethic of Reciprocity, or the ―Golden Rule. Imagine if everyone lived by this principle.
Love yourself: I don’t mean this in a vain sense. I just believe that before asking another person to love you, you should take the time to find things you love about yourself.
Have good manners: good manners are said to be the lubricant of social interaction. Saying ―please shows you respect someone, and saying ―thank you tells them you appreciate them.
Be real: show a genuine interest in other people. And don’t be afraid to let them see the real you, even if it means you feel vulnerable. I believe it is when you are at your most vulnerable that people fall in love with you.

The ability to enjoy the now: it’s important to plan for the future, but too many people have ―destination addiction which means they can’t enjoy then present. Stop. And enjoy this very moment…
Find your purpose: in his book Happier, author Tal Ben Shahar defines happiness as: “The overall experience of pleasure and meaning.” Different people find different ways to fill their life with meaning. One thing is clear though: meaning comes from developing a sense of purpose.
Gratitude: instead of focusing on what you don’t have, try appreciating what you do have. If you are reading this, chances are you are better off than the vast majority of the world’s population.
Quality relationships: happiness is closely linked to the quality of your relationships in your life. Take the time to keep in touch with friends and family.

Recognize the importance of your health: it is often said that ―your health is your wealth. Don’t wait until your health is gone to realize this.
A healthy diet: there is truth to the old saying ―you are what you eat. If you want to live a long and healthy life, make sure you maintain a healthy diet. Yes, this is common sense - but common sense does not necessarily translate to common practice.