These Photographs Are A Reflection
Letting go of our past is hard.
I wasn’t going to post today. It would be, I think, the first Sunday newsletter I’d have missed this year.
It’s an important goal of mine, to grow the newsletter. I want to build community, and reach others in order for us all to feel less lonely. Consistency is important and showing up is powerful.
But sometimes, our brains don’t work right.
That’s been happening to me one million times more than I thought it would at this point in my life. The ups-and-downs are hard. Letting people down sucks. A few weeks ago I was full of hope, while the last couple of days, hope has seemed distant.
Here I am, with all my dreams having come true (a loving family, great friends, awesome cats, and a life full of the possibility for daily joy).
And instead, my brain is at war with itself.
This small town (in Texas? near Texas?) is a good illustration of what it’s like to peer inside me.
Still standing, but empty.
Full of broken things.
I’ve heard that it’s OK to sit with your sadness.
To recognize it. To honor it. And then to let it go.
So that’s what I’m going to keep learning to do.
The people who lived here moved on.
Because living in the past isn’t always good. Mostly it’s not.
We keep things we shouldn’t. We hold on to useless trinkets, like regret.
So this newsletter might be later in the day than I normally post, but it’s one small step forward, right?
Instead of being paralyzed by the damage I’ve wrought, I have one path:
Let go.
Step forward.
Repeat.
ALL PHOTOS: OM SYTEM OM-3 with the Pana/Leica 15mm f.1.7 (a fantastic combo!)
P.S. - If you’re getting this, you’re probably already subscribed to my newsletter, but please share this with any photography enthusiasts who are looking for inspiration, tips and a positive photo community (no judgement here)!
And as always, send me any questions you have or topics you’d like to see me cover in upcoming newsletters or YouTube videos (you can subscribe here).
More than anything, even if you don’t purchase a print, subscribing to my YouTube channel, watching some videos, and leaving me a comment about what you think is a great, free, way to support me!
Comments? Leave them below or email me: jerredz@gmail.com


















Man ... I am right there with you, Jerred. This describes me, too. This share of yours—so aptly illustrated—describes the current condition of my interior space and exterior inertia right now, as well. You are so very not alone, my friend. THANK YOU for this meditation. We can't be the only two out there going through this. You bless me, brother.
Glad you did end up posting. More of these photos, a great viewing to look through.