The Good in 2020

I'm sitting here staring out the window of our bedroom, complete with a desk for MyFotoPal and a dog by my side, watching it snow. Yes, it's snowing!! While I do love snow, it's much too early. But alas, it is 2020 after all - the year of the worst events we could ever imagine. However, I'm a glass half-full kind of person and have been seeing it that way through much of the events since March. As I drove around last spring being the sacrificial lamb getting groceries and other necessities, interesting things were happening. Families were sitting out in the front yards or the parks having picnics, presumedly less technology was being used as I also saw lots and lots of walkers escaping the drudgery of inside time, connections with mask-wearing neighbors were everywhere as people tried to get outside and navigate new times. Businesses were coming out with unique ways of challenging the once normal service deliveries - drive up groceries, takeout at restaurants who had never done that before, and beautiful patios springing up all of the city! I know I'm painting a beautiful scene amongst such a tragedy, but noticing these things is something I love and has really helped my emotional state these last few months.

I have taken LOTS AND LOTS of photos since March. Finding ways to capture something of beauty during this time has been an intentional hobby. Nature, of course, lends itself to picture taking on walks and on day-trips. Photos of our family doing regular events has lent itself to some humorous photos, and then, of course, our dog and foster dogs have become regular subjects that bring smiles to all.

Now that the kids are back in school - and need less entertaining - I have been thinking about how to help people with the photo task, and I think it comes down to making one goal and trying to accomplish it. Try it for a week, and see how it works, and if it doesn't, try to set another one. Here are some I've come up with. What are your goals for photos? Try to make one intentional change - kind of like a photo diet. Something achievable you can try every day.

1. Take 15 minutes each day to delete or "heart" photos. This was my first goal - however, I decided to tackle it morning and night (for a total of 30 minutes). Knowing I can take lots of photos in the day, this was perfect.

2. If you take 20 photos of the same thing (like family photos or something similar), take the time NOW to find the best 1-2 photos that you love and represent the group or event well.

3. Start a photo book! I can honestly say I do struggle with this, but the last year, I have tried to "favorite" or "heart" my photos on the way home from trips. Because of this, it makes creating a photo book using your best photobook publisher easier than ever. Let me know if you have any needs for this, or even a recommendation, to make bookmaking even faster!

4. Give yourself a break. Don't sweat the small stuff - especially this year. Make small changes that will turn into bigger ones to achieve your photo goals.

5. Let me help you! Myfotopal can tackle it all. I have worked on many platforms to create something special for many people. Let me know if you need some guidance or just want to pass everything over to me. Now is the time. I can be your pal and set you up for success in the future. 2020 will end, fortunately!

I hope you have found some Good in 2020. If you haven't, slow down, take a walk, and see the world as I have seen it. Breathe, enjoy your passions, find the good in the world. . . and if you're in Minnesota, catch a snowflake on your tongue today. Stay healthy and safe in the remainder of 2020, and make a photo goal!