I took this picture without really giving it a second thought.
Usually, when I take a good picture, I know it; or, even if it isn’t good, I still find something creative in it.
This wasn’t either.
I didn’t really catch the effect of it until I downloaded it from my camera and viewed it on the computer a few times.
When I look into this picture I see someone unhindered by what’s going on around them–someone totally and honesty focused on nothing more than their own entertaining thoughts. I see a person content with themselves, secure with who and what they are.
Maybe the reason I find this photo so captivating is because of the person in the picture. This person is one of my classmates who I’ve grown to respect immensely over this past year of school, and not necessarily because of long late night talks on the phone or silly sleep-overs sharing personal secrets. No, I’ve learned to respect this person by watching, and watching with an objective eye. In other words, I took the time to find the best in him, when not many others did–when others labeled him as just weird, I looked a little deeper this time.
What I found is someone who is open, honest, unafraid, confident, and a free-spirit. Regardless of all the name-calling, avoidance, shifty eyes, and general mistrust of him by others, he stayed relatively true to himself and never really lashed out at anyone.
But what I find most impressive about him is his ability to live life with the cards dealt to him. Although I’ve never really sat down with him to talk to him about those “cards”, I am aware that he suffers from a chemical imbalance in his brain, which causes him to act “strange” according to those around him. Yes, he does say occasionally random and illogical statements, and perhaps his mannerisms are considered out of the ordinary, but I have never met someone who was so willing to share who they are and so plainly enjoy life.
I want that. I want what he has. I want to be more honest and unafraid of who I really am. How humbling it is to meet someone who doesn’t have everything but is willing to share everything they’ve got. And here I am, with a regular life, afraid to be who I really am.
My hat is off to you, buddy, I hope you never lose who you are. If you ever read this I hope you know you’re an inspiration.
Very nice post, and a beautiful picture.
Happy 17tg Birthday. [yeh..i actually remember] I’ve lost contact with you so this is the only way i could think of 2 tell u. hope u have a good one.
O yah..nice pic and post!