Instagram and life lessons
For friends, family and my 187 followers on Instagram, the concept of me doing a year-long project through the popular photography application is nothing new.
If you don't know me personally or haven't taken a look at my Instagram account, allow me to give you a bit of a backstory.
On November 22, 2012 I dislocated my left knee. The searing pain of a simple fall continued through months of braces, wheelchairs, churches, physical therapy. I was in no shape to fully care for myself as I was incapable of maneuvering my parent's home without risking further damage to my knee. As a result, I had to move out of my campus apartment for a couple weeks so that my family could help me. For what seemed like an eternity, I felt certain my knee would never be the same again. Even thinking about bending my knee again created a nauseating fear within me. It seemed I would never again experience the simple pleasure of being able to curl up in bed.
Then an amazing thing happened. Just before finals, I was able to move back into my apartment. To celebrate my mom gave me a blue mosaic glass candle holder, complete with a battery operated tea light. I set it in my room on top of a stack of magazines I had snagged from home and it made me smile. For the first time in a long time, I was happy.
That simple joy gave me an idea.
#onehappythingaday
Starting that day, I began posting a daily photo of something that made me happy. The purpose of the endeavor was to make me conscious of the blessings and happiness that my life held. For a year I found something every day that fit the category, and it rewrote my outlook on life. I became happier, more grateful and far more aware of the little things in life. Even on bad days where school and work seemed to bury me, something stood out to me that I was able to find cheer in. Some days it was as simple as a good cup of coffee, others it was having time with family or going to Disneyland with friends.
Now that #onehappythingaday has ended, I have carried that mentality into my current project. So far #discoveringsarahjane has been showing me the impact that specific people have on me, and as a result I am becoming more appreciative of them and their input.
Not knowing what this journey has in store for me has made me to be one curious gal. What will I discover today?
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