Almost four years ago, I watched as my son was born, and have been witness every day since as he’s discovered the world. Although there are some perceptions of the world we’re born with, we, to a large degree, come into society as a clean slate. We experiment, learning what works and what doesn’t, we form relationships and opinions.
Yesterday, I celebrated my thirty-third birthday. I feel fortunate to have a comfortable life, an education, a healthy family, and to have experienced some of the most amazing places on this planet. Yet, even after thirty three years, I’m surprised at how much I still have to discover about myself. It seems that the best relationship I continue to form is with myself. During the course of my life, I’ve known joy, love, and have sadly been confronted with loss. I guess you could say I’ve lived a full life, and although I still have much to learn, I do know a few things without question.
Some of my most life-shaping decisions have involved not settling for ‘good enough,’ forcing me to go in search of ‘can’t live without.’ Never settle. Keep looking for it, whatever it is, until you find exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll know it when you find it.
For me, the wilderness has always been a place to heal, to recover from pain and loss. For many of us, this is true. If that’s the nature of loss, what then do we do to confront the loss of nature? We have to ask ourselves this question seriously, and come up with viable, thoughtful, and long-lasting responses. With each passing year, our time to provide a lasting legacy grows shorter.
Finally, a contemplative question. Yesterday on Facebook, someone sent me a birthday wish that really caught my attention: “Don’t know you personally, but know you through your photos. Not much difference, I don’t think.” I know that in my art, it has become increasingly important for my voice to be heard. What does your art say about you?
I haven’t always been able to say this, but in my thirty-third year, I rather like the person I’m getting to know.
Sandstone Kaleidoscope, January 2012
Happy 33rd… wait until you reach your 40’s. It’s awesome, even though most people will deny it. Yeah, life’s good!!! I haven’t found much “nature” in Amsterdam the past ten days. But enjoying it!
Beautiful! Forward is the only direction to go.
Happy birthday! It’s good to be happy with who you are 🙂
I say we go catch a sunrise in San Diego to celebrate!
Happy birthday Greg!
Happy Birthday once again, Greg. I am very glad to hear you are enjoying getting to know yourself. I’m enjoying getting to know you too- even from a distance. 🙂
Learning about yourself never ends as long as you never stop growing and discovering. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Greg, well said!
Many happy returns, Greg. Someone said to me the other day that they thought I was getting more and more like my late father. 30 years ago I would have been horrified. Now I feel rather good about that. As we age I hope we grow wiser (if not wise) and mellow. Pursuit of that which is just over the horizon has always seemed to me to be a very laudable goal and “never settle” seems to me to be in the same vein. My legacy years are running a lot shorter than yours as I am approaching 55 but I live in hope that I still may yet achieve something worthwhile. Rock on.
Happy Birthday, Greg! What a young-un you are. 🙂
Much love and good thoughts to you.
Sharon
You’re just a pup. 😉 But Happy Birthday and many, many more.
One point about legacy. It is more important what kind of legacy we leave, not that we leave one.
I agree with you in that what you do really is a reflection of you. I think my art says “What you see is just me.”
Once again, Happy Birthday.
Thanks, everyone for the comments and birthday wishes. Much appreciated!
Andrew, its funny you mention getting to be more like your father. In parenting, I notice more and more of my dad’s mannerisms coming through in my own actions. Funny how that works, huh?
Well said Greg and Happy Birthday! I can attest that every year that passes by leaves me with a little bit more known about myself and a stronger desire to keep learning and enjoying my craft!
Equally well said, Kyle–thanks for stopping by. I kind of feel that as I get to know myself, the creativity will be self-perpetuating.
And as you like the person you are getting to know, so do we. Great image and kick a– writing. You have many talents and at age 33, wow, you are on your way. What’s more, we are all cheering you on because of your kindness and heart of gold. Long may you wave, Greg. Happy 33rd.
Thanks, David, I really appreciate it. I’m definitely grateful for all the friends and colleagues I’ve met along the way, its been quite a ride. I’m sure you and I will have more than a few more collaborative projects to work on over the next few months.
Cheers,
Greg