Discovery

While walking through the woods, I spotted this heart-shaped hole on the side of a tree. I approached it with my camera, turned on the flash, and took a picture. For a brief moment, the inside of the “heart” was illuminated, revealing a harvestman nestled inside. Amused by what I found, I continued taking pictures.

It got me thinking about exploration and discovery. Though my life could be described as bland to some -and admittedly, I think that way at times too- every life is an adventure rich with potential. Sometimes we just need a shift in mindset or habit to keep us from resigning ourselves to the daily ruts that narrow our view of what is possible.

Having kids is one well-known way of seeing the world through new eyes; photography has done much the same for me. I’ve come to count on these little discoveries to add some spice to my life, introducing me to new ideas and sometimes even nudging me toward new paths. The things we uncover around us have a way of uncovering something in us as well.

This photo also served as a reminder not to live too superficially, but to look deeper into our surroundings, ourselves, and others. To shine a light into hidden places and learn from what we find there, both the good and the bad. Life should be an ongoing exploration, with each discovery offering an opportunity for growth in our understanding, our hearts, and our relationships.