I put my first draft on pause and waited a few days.
Initially I had the idea for this post to be about hope, kicking off January 2026. About change ahead, what I hope for the future generation. I had images selected of blue skies with a lot of negative space, representing to me the unknown filled with expansiveness and possibility.
With recent events in my home state of Minnesota, and what continues happening around my country, my heart said no, that is not the direction for my post. I decided I wanted to share more truth from my tender heart.
Many who meet me do not know what an empath I am.
Since I was a young girl, I’ve always written about my feelings. I didn’t have any idea then how helpful it would be to keep record my thoughts.
Luckily, as I’ve gotten older I see the beauty and the worth of being vulnerable. Instead of feeling alone, we can become hopeful through the connection of expressing ourselves with others.
I’m not journaling as much as I used to, and in its place, photography has become a main outlet to express myself. Being intentional with my camera, going out on a photo walk, practicing at home, making mini videos, I do this to document my life. I have learned to take up space, and trust that my words and images matter. I want to know people deeply and I value when others take chances to express their feelings.
Sometimes I need a break to look away from the darkness of stories in the news that can make me weep. I am fully present to all of the feelings. I need the light to help balance the dark and then I am able to show up for others about the injustices.
This essay is a work in progress. I am grateful to move my words from the private page to an open space. Thank you, dear reader, for being here.
I took these photos on the Central California Coast where I live. The first two photos are from Avila Beach where several years ago, hundreds of cairns were created by an artist who placed them at the base of a bluff.
The other images are of Morro Rock, a volcanic plug that was a sacred site to the Salinan and Chumash tribes. It was formed approximately 23 million years ago.
With hope,
Carolyn
This is beautiful and speaks to my heart.
Thank you so much, Staci. Means a lot to hear that!
Beautiful photos and words! Thank you
Thank you for always encouraging me.
Dear Carolyn, The light through your lens and writing is what we all crave! Thank you for being part of the balance during these turbulent times.
Thank you for “seeing” me in all the ways I am trying to share. Your words always help me feel better dear Kit.
Keep ‘journaling’, whether with words or images. Both are uplifting and thought-provoking – just what we all need!
Marielle, you’ve been by my side with my creative work. I can never thank you enough for your support and cheerleading to bring my work forward.
Your images and words encourage pause, space and reflection during this week of tumult in the news and in my heart. They remind me of our collective journey, one that we share with many voices; some outspoken and angry, others contemplative and quietly reflective. Your photos and words are beautiful. I hope you continue to share your gifts of sensitivity and photography, for they are meaningful contributions to our human experience.
Betsy, I loved what you wrote and so appreciate your insights. Your words and the words from others makes me think of a collective essay about this topic. I wrote down your words — pause, space, reflection – as good reminders for me when my sensitive heart is feeling overwhelmed. Thank you dear friend.
This feels so important in these times. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for encouraging me dear Kirstin. Always so grateful to be on the page with you.
This is such a beautiful and hope inspiring post.
Thank you, Valerie. That means a lot to me. Sometimes it really feels like I stumble with expressing myself but I try to post anyway. I am grateful connecting with you.
Beautiful and so heartfelt… thank you for sharing.