When did you feel alive last time?

When did you feel alive last time?

On this World Photography Day, I want to take you on a journey through my lens, sharing some snapshots that hold more than just pixels; they encapsulate moments when I truly felt alive.

I can still recall the days when I held a small Kodak camera in my hands during my childhood. That simple device ignited a spark of curiosity within me, a spark that has only grown brighter with time. As I matured, life's responsibilities took precedence, and my passion for photography took a backseat. But the desire to capture life's beauty remained, patiently waiting for its moment to shine again.

Years passed, filled with the pursuit of a career, chasing dreams, and the relentless chase for success and money. The monotonous cycle gradually led to frustration, and I realized that amidst the hustle, I had lost touch with the art that once ignited my soul. It was May 2014, that I made a decision of my life —a 15-day solo backpacking journey to the mesmerizing Spiti Valley by switching off my phone.

Those 15 days turned out to be transformative. Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, untamed wilderness, and the solitude of the mountains, I rekindled my connection with photography. With each click, I found myself coming alive again. Every snap was a brushstroke on the canvas of my memories, capturing not just the scenery but the essence of the present moment.

As I stood there, camera in hand, framing the breathtaking vistas, I realized the significance of living life in its rawest form. The world through my lens was a reminder that life is not merely about career goals and material pursuits, but also about those moments that make us truly feel alive.

But, as life would have it, time moved on, and the echoes of that journey started fading into the background. The camera, once a cherished companion, collected dust, and the photos remained untouched, waiting for me to once again embrace my passion.

World Photography Day serves as a poignant reminder—a nudge to reflect on the hobbies, dreams, and passions we may have cast aside in the pursuit of a structured life. How many of us have left behind the things that once made our hearts race, our eyes light up, and our souls dance with joy?

Today, on this special day, I'm making a commitment to myself, and I invite you to do the same. Let's recapture those moments that made us feel alive. Let's dust off the neglected instruments of our passions, be it a camera, a paintbrush, or a musical instrument, and create once more. Let's strive for a balance that lets us chase our dreams while also nurturing our passions.

As the sun sets on another day, remember that life is a blend of dreams and responsibilities. Let's not allow our aspirations to be buried under the weight of routine. Let's celebrate the art of living and reignite our passions, one snapshot at a time.

Happy World Photography Day!?