Friday, April 17, 2009

a new version of you

A favourite song of mine is about "becoming a new version of you". I love the concept...the ability to always reinvent ourselves, to evolve, to awaken, to change what we can and to accept what we cannot.



I have started becoming a new version of me in the last six months....using tools like writing, this blog, my photography, walks with Sophie, the Charlie Project, talking with friends and family. And I finally feel connected. I finally feel defined by the things that truly matter to me. And the journey of becoming this new version has been the most rewarding experience of my life.



The question I've been asked lately is: will you ever be finished...will you ever find the final version of you? And my answer is:



I hope not.



"It's hard to live life well if you don't take time to think about it." ~ Jon Katz

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a thought-provoking post Andrea. You surely have been busy and accomplished so much to be proud of in the last few months. It is always such a pleasure to admire your photography especially. Hope you and Sophie enjoy your weekend together! Harriet sends a smooch!

the magic sleigh said...

May you grow with every day anew!
Beautiful post, thank you for reminding me.

Girl Tornado said...

So glad you like the "new version" of you, and it does sound like you've had a very rewarding journey lately. I don't think we ever stop changing, evolving, and becoming a different person... there are always new things to interest us, and different directions for our lives to go.

Beautiful post, with even more beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing!

Girl Tornado said...

Oh, I just noticed the quote by Jon Katz, one of my favorite authors. I love his books! :)

Far Side of Fifty said...

The final version..interesting thought..I am continually changing..like the sands in a windy desert..shifting, swirling...still sand..but always changing..
It sounds like you are embracing your change..with Sophies companionship,support from friends and family. You are on the right track! :)

Becky said...

I think you will get old and stale if you aren't always changing. Change is better. Just getting better all the time, Andrea!

The Write Girl said...

Hi Andrea,

I love this post. It's always fun and exciting to reinvent yourself especially when you connect with the things that matter most.

RURAL said...

First, amazing photos! Simply amazing!

I am glad that things are on the upswing, so to speak. I just love reading your blog, and everything just gets better and better all the time.

Jen

♥Mimi♥ said...

You, my dear, have TALENT! Not only can you write, you have a vision when you photograph something.

Carolynn Anctil said...

Well said and so true.

Thank you for stopping by to leave a lovely note on my doorstep today.

Robynn's Ravings said...

Was that the same "Katz" from "A Walk in the Woods?"

I ADORE your definition and what you are becoming. I can so identify and feel like I am discovering MYSELF in my own writing. Thank you for such an indelible image. :) And thank you for the beautiful photos to accompany.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Beautiful photos. The crocus is particularly stunning!

Bruce said...

Even cats evolve! I have gone from a fraidy-cat stray to a lap-sitting, domesticated cat and I am still enjoying my journey too! So Happy for you:)

Sharon said...

I agree with you. Life would be so boring if we all stayed the same. That's why we have a brain, so we can learn & improve ourselves. Enjoy your journey:)

troutbirder said...

Indeed we do overs on ourselves. I gave up upland game hunting and took of birding. How simple yet profound

NKP said...

That shot of the purple and orange flower is incredible! Completely other-worldly.

HalfCrazy said...

I'm really glad to know you're enjoying this phase in your life, may you explore more and hone the talent, the time, and everything involved!

Nice post, short and sweet.

Jan said...

I think that is how we stay in touch with life. We need to constantly be learning, adapting, reaching out to people. People that don't do this don't thrive. I feel myself constantly seeking more knowledge. The world is so vast and there is always so much more to read and learn.

P.K said...

excellent post, lovely photos

Barry said...

Beautiful photos and quite an exciting journey you're on.

Sherri said...

Terrific post, Andrea!

septembermom said...

Enjoy your self discovery! Now that I'm 40, I feel more dedicated than ever to find new ways to grow and express myself. Life is getting better everyday. I so love your blog filled with such inspiration and beautiful photos!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Beautiful thoughts you share - and such pretty blossoms too.

gigi said...

I don't think any of us ever get finished till we take our last breath. I 'm like you, I sure hope not.

Kathleen said...

Your work becomes more profound each time I visit. Lovely.

Hilary said...

Beautiful photos and philosophy, Andrea. I occasionally think about you and Sophie when I'm out walking with camera in hand - following Benny around the parks. I know I'd recognize the two of you instantly if our paths ever crossed, though I suspect we're at different ends of the city.

Claire said...

i can totally relate to this post--that's something i've been thinking about lately, too. i think you're right; hopefully you never stop evolving and growing. and i also agree with you--for me, photography, writing + just creating in general are an integral part of that growth.