A journal entry from a few days ago:
December 8, 2012
9:11 p.m.
I'm so blessed and I hate that I often forget it. I'm sitting here on my bed, door closed, Christmas lights in the windows and also strung along my headboard warming the otherwise dark room. There's a calmness about being in dim light. As Jars of Clay plays softly in my headphones, I sit in peace. Although things haven't been easy lately, I'm thankful for the here and now. I'm thankful for being where I am right this instance and the good feeling that overwhelms me. I made the decision this weekend to stay away from the internet and I can't even begin to express how freeing it's been. The constant bragging and timeline overload of beautiful photos actually started to get to me. It's inspiring for a while but begins to make me feel ashamed that I'm not as successful as all of these other people. It was sucking the joy out of me and I needed to separate myself from the source -- the internet. I spend so much time on the internet that life starts to pass by and before I know it, I haven't done much of anything. So I spent today reading (finishing a book, actually), hauling a Christmas tree inside, taking a few pictures, petting black labrador puppies, buying Christmas gifts, and laughing. What a blessing life is. I haven't spent much time in the past year doing anything particularly adventurous but I'm ready for that to change. If that means riding a cheap, dirty train to NYC and sleeping in an old, grungy hotel, then that's what I'm going to do. I'm tired of letting my life pass by when I could be getting my inspiration from walking the streets in New York, rather than from scrolling through the endless photographs on my news feed.
Who's with me?
love this ohso much! pinterest is a huge obstacle in my life. I love love it but it sucks my confidence right out of me on certain days. I think we need to spend more time being inspired by life around us and not the Internet so much! altho I don't think I would be able to give it up entirely. just limit myself more. love the pictures too! how do you get your food ones to look so good? xx
ReplyDeleteMY MY MY.. I think you are my favorite photographer EVER.
ReplyDeleteAny tips for me? I'm starting out! Email me?
STUNNING words and shots!
xo
Elisha! That is such a wonderful thing to hear! Thank you!
Deleteyes, yes, yes. :) couldn't agree with you more, Meredith. i feel sometimes as if i "live" on the internet, and i want that to change.
ReplyDeletelovely pictures, girl, and you are so incredibly wise. :) i'm in!
xoxo
I know, right?! I'm definitely taking more days off from the internet. :)
DeleteI love the way you wrapped you lights around your bed! your photos are soso good girl! I should try the no media/ internet thing. pinterest is a little addiction of mine. thanks so much for the inspiration! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Olivia!! I have a Pinterest addiction too. It's the best.
Deletehttp://pinterest.com/meredithsledge/
absolutely love your photography xx
ReplyDeletewww.vicariousLA.com
Thank you so much!!!
DeleteYes, yes, yes! I've been having a great school year so far - busy, but in a good way - and I honestly think that part of it is because I quit blogging last summer. Spending less time on the Internet and more time living (and doing Christmas-y things) is always a good idea! I'm glad you enjoyed your break :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes you've just gotta take a break!! I do miss your posts, though!!
Deletelove this
ReplyDeleteit's good to get away, to really get back into the focus of life, you know? and life is for living. not for tweeting :)
ReplyDelete