I’ve Lost My MoJo!
And this is how I have been feeling of late. I am in a slump and just can’t seem to pull myself out of it. I’ve lost my Mojo! My drive and ambition is bottomed out!
For several years I had been like a robot. I had been taking photos, editing, posting, updating the blog routinely and selling. For some reason that I cannot totally pinpoint I have been in a slump. No matter how I try to find something to spark my enthusiasm it really doesn’t. No I shouldn’t say that. My photos taken in Maine this past fall of the foliage excited me. But other than that I really haven’t seen much that has done it for me.
What can it be? Losing my mother in February? Losing my oldest niece this early fall. Truth be told, that was so unexpected, quick and shocking to me that really since then I just can’t snap out of it. I have been so preoccupied with family and more focused on how precious our time with each other is that I just haven’t focused on my photography.
I look through my thousands upon thousands of photos and I just feel blah. It’s not that the pictures are bad it’s just I can’t get excited about them.
This photo though of my grandson cracks me up! I’m sure my daughter and son-in-law won’t be thrilled that I’ve posted it but I just laugh each time I see it. An expression captured that says it all!
Liz, I am sorry to hear your news and I cannot convey how this year must have been for you and yet you can find a ray of sunshine in this funny image of your grandson. Losing any family member is a hard blow and you become reliant on the family rallying together to support each other which I hope you have in plenty.
In terms of mojo and photography, I too have had this on several occasions and wondering whether to continue producing work for all to see and looking at the images taken digitally or those collecting dust in a drawer…. whoops I have just admitted I have not cleaned this one out in the office for ages. Our inspiration wains and our artistic outlook becomes marred by the distractions of every day life and we have the feeling of wanting to escape. lock ourselves away, scream and wonder how to come out of this all, feeling better and stronger, more focused.
I think we look at other photographer’s work and wonder whether “are mine good enough or am I seeking out a new location or subject to endlessly replicate the chosen vista”. It is really a question of questioning oneself why we got into photography initially, as a hobby, something we enjoyed and if we can gain some sort of reward from it, whether it is from recognition and competition winning to actually being able to sell work.
I feel that experimentation with other mediums like painting, drawing, iPhone and various apps is often worth while as it gives us the chance to just enjoy and not have pressure to have our wrk be too precious or needing to be out there, so to speak. It is a time for ourselves and work for ourselves…in this way we grow strong again and our mojo slowly comes to the forefront and friends and family begin to see he changes in us through our expressive selves.
I hope this is not too long winded and I hope you grow strong by the day.
Best wishes, James
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James this is exactly what I needed to hear. Everything you said is so so true. And believe it or not it is comforting to know I am not the only one who has ups and downs. Thanks for taking the time
to write all this!
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You are more than welcome Elizabeth and I am glad it was of some help/ comfort. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
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Liz – It’s been a tough year for our family, no doubt about it. Many days I struggle just to get through the day. We lost two of the strongest, most stubborn, and most loving women this year – and it has left a huge hole in all our hearts. And that will take time to mend. One of the things that frightens me is that Mom was the last of her generation in our immediate family. That means that now we are the “elders” – God help us!
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Yeah that exact thought I find depressing too! Just not a good year. I’m crossing my fingers 2016 is better.
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I hear you Elizabeth. I broke my camera a few months back and it only works a 1/3 of the time. I can’t get the ambition to research and buy a new one. It is too old to fix. So here I am too, with no drive to get back in the saddle…do you think it is our age (phase that we are in?) I feel burnt out? The only thing that keeps me from giving it all up…is the grandchildren. I do enjoy taking photos with the iPhone and posting to Instagram. But I think that is because it is new to me. I wish we lived closer to one another. I no I am of no help here, just thought it might help to hear someone else is feeling the same way. Cheers to the weekend!
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That would be depressing if I broke my camera. Sorry to hear that. Funny I have been using my Iphone more and more too. There are just as many great photo editing apps you can use. The only thing I prefer my camera for is for the grandkids too.
Cheryl a mutual friend of ours told me it happens to her too. I remember a post she put up about a year ago which said pretty much the same thing. I think it probably is cyclical. I also think for both of us with the grandkids and life which creeps in too that trying to find the right balance can be difficult.
I also find that with working full time, I am either too exhausted to work on my photos or just don’t have the time. I think I will snap out of it but need to give it time. I have already invested so many years and money into it that I refuse to give it up. I’ll just give myself a little break!
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Your friends are here for you and pleased to see that you found a smile for today. He is an adorable child.
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He is and I love this photo!
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Your grandson looks so cute, Elizabeth! 🙂 He puts a big smile on my face to. It’s like medicine. I’m sorry about your losses, I hope you’ll feel better soon. I know what you are talking about. I’m in a similar position and actually a lot of our blogging friends complain about the same symptoms too. Seize the opportunity to reflect what does you good and what doesn’t. I had a break from blogging and put the camera away for a few weeks. I loved getting absorbed in a good book, having quality time with the loved ones.
Wishing you all the best,
Dina x
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Thanks Dina. I guess it probably is a cyclical thing. I’m going to photograph and post when I have an opportunity but I am not going to punish myself anymore for not being regular. Life just seems to get in the way!
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I’m so sorry for you loss! I can’t even imagine how it feels. People need breaks every once in awhile, I agree with your friend Cheryl.
This year was tough to everyone, I lost 2 of my uncles and my grandfather! It is not easy at all.
But this cute grandson is precious! God bless him ♥
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I’m sorry for your loss also. Death seems to take a lot of wind out of your sails. It also makes you stop and review what is most important in your life. I am looking forward to 2016 and hope that it will be a better year.
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It happens to us all at some time or another…life seeps in and takes the joy but only for a short time…let it sit…before you know it, there will be a snow storm and you’ll be running around the house looking for your camera…and all will be right with the world again…we actually need breaks every once in awhile…
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Thanks Cheryl. I needed to hear that and I’m sure you’re right!
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