Is an overabundance of care actually anxiety? When enjoyment gets so big it eats itself and what you loved isn’t simple anymore, how can you walk that tide of emotion back? And, most of all, what does this have to do with moody pumpkin photography?
The answer to that last question is nothing, the answer to the first two questions are, as with any human thing, more complicated. Two things I like to dwell on when experiencing overzealous care (let’s rename anxiety-yeehaw!) are curiosity and gratitude.
Curiosity is wonderful in social situations. As a portrait photographer, having interest in your subject is the best way to get out of your head around performing well. This isn’t wisdom I can claim. It’s something heard over and over from successful “people” people, and really, it works. It’s the positive reinforcement of “it’s not about you.”
And Gratitude. Gratitude feels like the balm when the over-caring goes inward. When others aren’t involved or around, and we’re left with our own voices about our own ideas and situations. Gratitude interrupts this. Gratitude is a friend who walks into the cold dark room with a light, a blanket, and a cup of coffee. Gratitude can see truth, doesn’t avoid the fear or care, but reminds you of their opposites. In some magical way, true gratitude refocuses our feelings without denying them. And, guess what? Too much anxiety will ultimately kill you, but there can never be enough gratitude.
Maybe these are all thoughts too intense for a Monday. Maybe I should have left it at the pumpkin shot. But hopefully my own lightbulb moment (one I live over and over) spreads light this week.