A friend was having lunch with her dad the other day and was touched when a fellow diner volunteered to take their picture. The woman went on to explain that she had lost her dad recently; her biggest regret was that she had so few pictures of them together. Photographs matter. Once a loved one is gone or a special day is over, only the photo remains.
A cell phone camera is the perfect tool for shutterbugs everywhere. People are taking more pictures than ever and sending them on to family and friends instantly.
The young and beautiful are constantly snapping pictures of themselves, what they are eating, what they are wearing, and who they are with. The problem of not having enough photos is solved, or is it?
Some people do not like to have their pictures taken because they feel self conscious about how they look. They don’t want to be reminded of extra pounds, sagging jowls, or other imperfections so they turn away whenever a camera is pointed in their direction.
It is important for seniors to remember that the people who love you are not nearly as critical as you are. When people are asked what one thing they would risk their lives for in the event of a fire or other disaster they will often say “the family photo album.” Photographs matter; without photographs memories fade.
By refusing to have your picture taken you are doing yourself and those who love you a huge disfavor. It is time to:
• Let go of your former self image; don’t get stuck on the way you used to look.
• Look and feel good, even if you have to qualify the sentiment with “for my age.”
• Don’t cringe when you look at your photo. Remember what you were doing and who you were doing it with on the day it was taken.
Remember the good times and stop hiding from that camera.
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