DAY 100, Baby!! :D

I am astounded I made it this far in this self-portrait journey, and am so grateful that I have.
This has been such a rewarding experience for me on so many levels. I've learned a lot about myself, about photography, and about ways in which we see ourselves. I've made some amazing contacts through this 365 group who I consider friends.
The support and real love people show one another here inspires me, gives me hope, and makes me smile even when it sometimes rips my heart out.

I spent so much of my life trying to focus on how I was different (either worse than or better) than other human beings. The past 11 years have taught me to focus on how we are the same, and it is a gift to be able to feel for others...to hurt when you hurt, to feel joy when you feel joy.

It is so easy for me to focus on how the world is such a fucked up, ugly place sometimes and at how people can be so cruel and horrible to one another. It is those times when I connect to another or see others reach out to help, to sympathize, to just give comfort...it is during those times I feel hopeful and loved, even if I am not the one receiving good wishes.

This group, for me, represents a microcosm of this kind of interaction that I so crave and thrive upon. Yes there are sure to be exceptions, but I love clicking through the images and seeing the same people commenting and taking the time to be KIND...that extra moment to type a few words...I know it means so much.

Thank you, all of you, for being in this group. An extra big HUG to Mav for getting it going.
XO