Sunday, 5 January 2014

Seven snaps for seven days - one.

One of the things that I want to do in 2014 is to take the time to notice and appreciate the little, everyday things in life. The things that give moments of happiness, pleasure, interest, enjoyment or amusement throughout the day. The things that a week or two later I might well have forgotten but that, at the time, made an impression of some sort on me.Things that might not mean anything to anyone else, that may not warrant a conversation, but things that I want to take a moment to notice and be mindful of.

I have a particular reason for wanting to do this. I have been suffering from depression and an anxiety disorder for the past few years. Last January I was able to begin a process of therapy which has gradually improved my situation and I have started to feel significantly better. For various reasons my therapy is about to come to an end and I am looking for ways to continue helping myself to improve and to keep a healthy mind. One thing that I have been working is being present in the moment and being more mindful, which, when I practise it, is helpful to me.

So an idea for a kind of project came to me which would help me be mindful of 'good things', however small or fleeting and would also be something that I could look back on, reflect on, and use as a tool to help myself if necessary.

I am aiming to take one photograph a day of something that fits the criteria in my first paragraph. I am looking to just capture a moment, literally a snapshot in time, being mindful. The photographs will just be snapshots, sometimes posed, sometimes not, probably not edited, often taken with the camera on my phone.

I really want to try to do this all year but I have also realised the importance of not putting too much pressure on myself. So, whilst that is my aim, if I have a bad day or forget or just choose to miss a day or two that is fine too.


Getting cosy on the sofa, reading a book I got for Christmas.


Mushrooms that I spotted whilst taking my dog for a walk.


Delicious chocolate brownie that friends sent me home with after a lovely lunch.


Trying out a new pattern, knitting something for myself.


All the amazing knitting projects on the go at the fabulous first knitting group of the year.

I really wanted to start this on the 1st of January so seven snaps had to just be five this week!
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10 comments:

  1. JenWRN5 January 2014 at 15:07

    What a great aim. I look forward to seeing your lovely photos. X

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  2. Kate-Em6 January 2014 at 02:29

    Thanks Jen, I am excited about it!

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  3. Witchcrafted Life6 January 2014 at 04:34

    That's a beautiful, inspiring idea. I've long used photography, crafting and blogging to help with my own medical and anxiety related issues, too. All three can help me reach a state of catharsis unlike that from just about anything else (interestingly, I find, using Pinterest and Instagram, too, are extremely helpful for me on those fronts as well). I really look forward to seeing the glimpses of your daily life that you're going to share with us here and getting to know more about you, sweet lady, through them.

    Big hugs,
    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Kate-Em12 January 2014 at 13:53

      Thank you Jessica. It is good to know that these activities have worked for you too, that is a very positive thing for me to know. I hadn't thought about Pinterest in that way but I think that may well work for me too.

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  4. PinhousePlaymate6 January 2014 at 09:12

    I think this is a very sound idea, and one we could all try out some more! I too, have suffered depression and personal hardships, and having contact with nature and animals has helped me greatly. And I think it touches on the same thing. Animals live in the moment, and respond to, and enjoy small things, like a cuddle or a little treat. Have yourself a great 2014 :)

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    1. Kate-Em12 January 2014 at 13:56

      Thank you Siri, it is helpful to know about your experiences. I have really appreciated having my dog during this time. I hope you have a great 2014 too.

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  5. Gillian Roe8 January 2014 at 10:29

    Thank you for sharing this with us. As someone who has experienced these things in the past, and had cognitive behavioural therapy, I can tell you from experience that celebrating the little happy things and trying to be mindful and live in the moment can help HUGELY with one's mood and general happiness.

    I love the happy moments you've chosen. I don't know if you're on instagram, but there is something called a 365 project where people post the daily moments which make them smile. x

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    1. Kate-Em12 January 2014 at 13:58

      Thank you for your comments Gillian, it is good to know what has helped you and to find I may be doing something which is a step in the right direction. I am not on Instagram yet but I do intend to be and I will look out for that project, it sounds great.

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  6. Joanna12 January 2014 at 15:14

    This is a wonderful idea Kate, we should all do this more often appreciate the small things in life. I wish you a lot of joy and happiness this year!

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    1. Kate-Em17 January 2014 at 15:04

      Thank you very much Joanna. I hope it is a wonderful year for you too.

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