4,999.
I started my photography journey when I got laid off from my job during the Summer of 2013. I was living in Verdigris Oklahoma at the time, and photography helped me navigate a dark period in my life. As I look back, I did not know where my journey would take me, and I still don't. I'm over six years sober, and I'm still dealing with childhood demons that never truly go away, I just get better at managing them. Yesterday and today, I visited some areas that I haven't photographed in a very long time, and this evening I was in the area I had chosen a little over 7 years ago to try and take my life. 7 years and 3 months ago, the drugs and alcohol stopped working to suppress those demons I was fighting for almost 4 decades.
I have been thankful for photography as it's been a positive outlet in my life, and has helped me through some very dark periods in my life.
As I approach 5,000, I am in contemplative mode, and navigating life as best I can. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know I enjoy the sober life, and I'm enjoying that continuing journey. Thank you all for your support, for your words of encouragement, and for following along on my journey.
+
Isaiah 42:16 (CSB)
"I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they did not know. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not abandon them."
+
#explore _waterways #just _newjersey #explore _skies #explore _countryside #blackglassgallery#centraljerseyexists#yourshotphotographer#njsunrisesunset#southjerseyisbeautiful#withgalaxy#itsamazingoutthere#onlyinnewjersey#jerseysbestcreators#jshn#6abcaction#news4ny#abc7ny#news12nj#nbc4ny#njmonthly#barnegatbay#coastaljerseyadventures#wildnewjersey#njbeaches#nautical _images #natureprimeshot#primebeachusa#naturephotography#oceancounty#50twentyphotography
This is the best thing I have seen in a very long time, and as someone who is still continuing to process trauma, they are very wise words to remember each day.
+
Proverbs 15:19 (CSB)
"A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is like a highway."
+