Posted on October 18, 2023
Sometimes a small, simple action can grow into something we never imagined. For me, that has been sharing beauty. I was not a person who used a camera on a regular basis, but shortly after getting my first iPhone I realized how easy it was to take and share pictures. While working in my yard I would take random pictures of flowers, bees, butterflies and such; then text them to a couple friends. I started taking pictures while out for a run or walking with a friend. The sharing became more frequent, so I decided to email a happy photo of the day to some of my friends and family for the month of my birthday as a gift to them. The response was so positive that I have continued sending a photo every day, and have done this for several years now.

After a while, I got brave and would share some of my photos on Facebook. I also started making a few wall calendars each year. I’ve had several pictures made into 8x10s to display in my home, thus creating my own art gallery. And if you’ve read my previous blog posts you’ve seen my pictures there as well.

I am delighted to see beauty, and it makes me happy knowing that others are enjoying it as well. A friend once told me that it’s the first email she opens every day. Seeing beauty releases dopamine, which results in feelings of well-being. It takes just a moment to share my happy photos, which happen to be aptly named.

To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.

-Thoreau

This creative journey in photography continues. I’ve recently expanded my sharing into a business, Greetings From Glenda, which can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Now people can buy greeting cards with one of my photos on the front, then add their own personal note.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar journey of doing something simply for your own joy then having it grow to be enjoyed by many. If so, please leave a comment about it. I’d love to know your story. Perhaps you’re just starting to think about sharing with a wider audience. Consider this your nudge to move forward, to trust that others will be blessed by it.