A Picture and 300 Words

ByJR Boots

What pictures taken of you do you want?

I’m pondering this because I skipped a blockchain event last night. I planned to go, but when the moment came, I hesitated. I’m building in the blockchain ecosystem, so an occasion to meet others around the space could connect me to new people. But the event was regulatory-focused, and wearing a collar turned me off. Perhaps I’m spoiled working in a t-shirt and basketball shorts. But having left the corporate world, I wasn’t eager to play that part again.

I accomplished what I’d wanted yesterday – I published, Zoomed about philosophy, and did $10k work. And I joined groups Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. So I gave myself the night off.

Then I got a notification of the participants’ pictures taken from the blockchain group.

And I am okay that I’m not in it.

During the earlier Zoom, the leader had shared a picture journal. It highlights pictures from the week; their favorite image from that week. That got me thinking.

Earlier in life, I avoided pictures. I thought it was a hassle and took time away from being present. Now, I treasure photos of quality times with good people.

But that doesn’t mean I have to be in every picture. There are so many places I can be and so many things I can do. And many of them won’t be moments I value.

I’m fine without one business casual with service providers listening to a pre-recorded SEC commissioner on crypto regulation.

I’m not pondering pictures because I need them taken everywhere. I’m thinking about it because it’s a guide to what I want to be and should be doing.

I want pictures of experiences with people I care about around me. It’s not about the pictures. It’s about the moments I treasure for a lifetime.

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