But this time I didn't allow myself to succumb. I instead chose to channel that energy through my lens. I grabbed my camera and took to nature.
The smell of sweet pine. The texture of crisp leaves against my finger tips. My senses seemed heightened.
I allowed myself to wholeheartedly submit to her healing powers. I bypassed norms and comfortable boundaries as I became one with mother earth right there in the bed of pine needles and red clay soil.
Exposed. Calm. And open to the beautiful creations all around me.Directed properly, those joyless, bleak moments can lend themselves to powerful inspiration and creativity. Use them.
"Be first the captain of your fate, the master of your soul." William Ernest Henley
Textures from Kim Klassen and Shadowhouse Creations.
Just a couple items to share before I close.
1. Three FREE Facebook Timeline Templates, exclusively for Project Alicia followers.
2. $100 Giveaway from The Hummingbird Press through Friday, Sept 21st Midnight EST.
Click on the images below to download the templates or enter the giveaway.
For those who are new here, this is Wordless Wednesday, a place to share a photo and connect with an entire community of others. Wordful or Not So Wordless posts are always welcome here at Project Alicia as well. You can grab my button in my sidebar if you'd like, but it's not required to participate.
Just grab a photo and link up below! And if you'd like to connect with other WW participants, click HERE or one of the thumbnails below. (These are just a few of my favs.)
I am SO glad you were didn't sumcomb to this ugly disease on this occassion. It can grip you like no other! Loved how you focused on nature...awesome!
ReplyDeleteLaurie @ Pride in Photos
Depression can come on so quickly. It has snuck up on me before, and getting outside with my camera always seems to help. Your first image is very lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the time of year when those dark moods can especially try to start creeping in...good on you for channeling them into creativity instead. Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteVery in the style of Edgar Allen Poe. Love them!
ReplyDeleteLish, your photos are again outstanding! You know I don´t like the days when it get´s darker either. And I´m glad you are okay! You are so talented! Honestly!
ReplyDeleteI´m thinking of you!
Verena
These are great, what a wonderful way to focus those feelings. I should try that as well, I've been battling depression for years.
ReplyDeleteSorry you are struggling with depression. I'm really lucky I don't have to deal with it, except for one episode 15 or so years ago. So I have a glimpse of how hard it is -- I have a family member whose life is totally run by depression, and it's heart-breaking to see. I'm glad you have your photography to help you and that you don't let it rule your life.
ReplyDeleteDagmar ~ Dagmar's momsense
So glad you were able to pull yourself out! I need to escape with my camera. I'm drowning here, myself. Lovely photography, as always.
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteVery powerful post! A Nature walk does wonders for the mind, body and soul. I love the quotation you included. Take care and my best wishes to you.
ReplyDeletewhat a great way to use those feelings and capture your emotions...
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you found a way to channel the bad thoughts. I'm hoping winter doesn't make me all down like it did last year.
ReplyDeletehttp://theapels.blogspot.com/2012/09/ww-isaaks-art-linky.html
I just love your work with textures!
ReplyDeleteI love the quote...I've lost myself many times to find myself!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos....I love your edits.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic way to channel those feelings. I usually just want to eat an entire box of oreos and then crawl into bed, but that's just me. ;)
ReplyDeleteyou continue to amaze me! LOVE the book/quote/ sublte face.... you are beautiful!
ReplyDeletexoxo, bree
To acknowledge, accept and instigate coping strategies, is the first step to not fall back into the depths of depression... this I know, after also batteling after losing my 12 week pregnant wife 3 and a bit years ago...
ReplyDeleteKeep strong!
Love your pics, but more importantly, the story behind them, lovely... Mines up as well at AussiePomm - Cymbidium Orchids
Have a great WW!!
This is a great reminder, and I need it now more than ever. It can be so hard to make the effort when you're in a bad place, but the healing power of nature can't be underestimated.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos - especially the image of the pressed 4-leaf clovers. Yes. I can relate to this. It's the time of year here in New England that brings it on for me. Returning to nature and just shutting my mind off and just becoming present seems to help.
ReplyDeleteNew here! I love these images of yours! I agree that a little time spent in nature can help shake off those feelings of despair.
ReplyDeleteI could use a good dose of nature - these photos are inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAlicia,
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing your inspiration for creativity. I, too, battle depression and anxiety. It is a strong person who admits they struggle and have the courage to do something about it. I find much encouragement and hope is this little thing we call blogging.
I deal with anxiety which has some depression symptoms. I often find solace behind the lens as well.
ReplyDeleteChin up and keep on snapping. *hugs*
What a super way to conquer your depression and share the world with us at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYour photography is always so refreshing. You have a gift my friend.
ReplyDeleteEnd of summer brings that. Here is to love and happy days.
ReplyDeleteAs always Great pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the second one, and I admire how you use your passion to get away from depression.
Would love for you to come and share via our WWHop Linky : http://www.craftyspices.com/others/blog-hops/wordless-wednesday-hop/110-wordless-wendsday-hop6-linky
Happy Wednesday!
Depression can be very seductive and even triggering when it becomes a medium to express what otherwise has no voice. I could feel my self being drawn in. I love what you've done with it!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you managed to get out of depression and rediscover yourself. Love the selections of pictures for this week's WW.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, I know quite a bit about depression. But also how to get through it with pictures. This week is actually one such example. I'm glad you are able to transcend it through your work and creativity!
ReplyDeleteIncredible photos
ReplyDeleteYour photos truly capture the rawness of what depression feels like. Thanks for sharing, being bold and I just said a prayer for you in that you will find peace during the changing of the season. Godspeed.
ReplyDeleteKatie in ND
Gorgeous photos! Hope you are o.k. Thanks for linkin up!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what that feels like, I am so glad that you have found something beautiful to come out of this ;)
ReplyDeleteI loved your pictures so much last week, that I made sure to return ;)
Thanks for the linky, I have a linky on my WW post as well...
http://su.pr/1SXQOE
and fill out your info here if you want your linkies on my future directory
http://su.pr/2pGQPN
Beautiful - I love that first shot..thank you for the inspiration - I must try that kind of photography too sometimes! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing I think the power of photography. I love my camera so very much
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
I have those kinds of days, too. Photography is often a healer for me as well. Hope things are looking and feeling brighter.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great how finding inspiration through the lens has that calming ability? Amazing shots as usual. :)
ReplyDeleteFuture Author
Glad photography is helping you deal with your emotions. Your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful way to turn it around! I love how you've found an outlet, a place to focus when you feel those feelings. :) And gorgeous captures, as always!
ReplyDelete~Tabitha
I share your struggle with depression. Good for you for finding the motivation to create something beautiful in the face of something ugly. Your images, as always, are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAh, the best way to recharge is sometimes just enjoying nature.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that Lish. But I'm glad that you were able to use those healing powers of the camera to pull you through. It really is amazing how everything else melts away when looking through the viewfinder.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I love this. So beautiful, especially knowing that they came from a less than beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI've been having a pretty rough week too..and I also try to keep myself from falling back into depression.
ReplyDeleteWish I had something beautiful to show for it though!
http://www.homeofohm.com/2012/09/wordless-wednesday-im-lovin-it-w-linky.html
Thank you for being so lovely and open about feeling blue, but using photography to feel better. I've had to leave my husband in England to come back to the States while we go through the long process of a spouse visa. It's been some serious blue days for me, and if I didn't have my blog and photography, I'd be lost right now.
ReplyDeleteTamaraLynnPhotography.com
gorgeous photos - just stunningly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI too find my restoration as well as inspiration in nature - she never betrays the heart that loves her!
(Wordsworth)
Nature can be so very healing. Beautiful pics
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Alicia, you are right - there's is something about nature that helps us reconnect to who we are and how we want to live this life
ReplyDeleteWell said, friend!
DeleteI hear you Alicia!! I too am a depression sufferer... I also live with chronic illness & pain. My camera is one of my therapies. It takes me away to a place of joy and wonder.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!
What a beautiful post from such a beautiful woman...
ReplyDeletexx
clau
Fantabulous photos. As always, but these really knocked my socks off. :)
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are so cool!!!
ReplyDeletei love that photo of you with the quote...
ReplyDeleteboth are beautiful
Love the pressed leaves, Alicia!
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time with depression sometimes too. I have found photography to be a great form of therapy!
ReplyDeleteSorry I am so late to the party. Life is running away from me lately!
You and me both! So sorry to hear about your depression!
DeleteLooks like you found a little earthy luck along the way. Love the four leaf clovers.
ReplyDeleteMy husband gets so depressed when winter starts creeping up. Hope this season brings tons of happy to all of us!
ReplyDeleteWow, stunning pictures. I love the feel of them.
ReplyDeleteHerding Cats
What beautiful pictures. You are so talented. Visit here: http://photo.daddyforever.com/
ReplyDeleteHi Alicia!!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. I have diabetes and because of what I've gone through in my life (I'm a survivor of spousal abuse and a sexual assault, I've had 18 surgeries) has left me fighting depression. I find through your blog and others that I've been having better days.
You are a beautiful woman, a great mom and a great person. It comes through your pictures.
I want to thank you for being a part of what I call Blogland!! Your beauty is shining through!!
Pam