I started disliking photography at the end of 2025. The act of rushing home from my 9-5 to quickly change and shove food in my mouth just to work for another 2 or more hours was less glamorous than before. When I looked at my camera, I had a sense of disdain. It was hard motivating myself to edit, even harder to get out of my warm apartment. It could be a mix of the Winter blues, but after some reflection I truly was just burnt out.
I forced myself to take a break in December: no gigs, no free shoots. I had to force myself to relax. When my energy returned after week two of my break, I started editing again on my own free will. I longingly look at my camera, excited to pick it up again.
Sometimes you have to force yourself to relax. My ADHD brain needs that. I’ve had time to live a “normal” life where I could come home and wind down after a long day. I created a workout routine and am hoping to stick to it once gigs pick back up. I’ve had time to hang out with my friends again.
It’s a balancing act, this freelancing thing. And I’m an all-or-nothing person. If I don’t fully dedicate myself to something I’ll just forget it exists and move on to something else. My closet is full of abandoned projects that I’ll “get back to someday.”
In 2026 I plan to pull back from saying “yes” to everything. I only want to take gigs that I know I’ll love and won’t be a pain in the neck to edit. My new hobby is getting back into my old hobbies; I want to knit a sweater and finish crocheting my granny square pants. I also want to vlog on YouTube and capture my travels and adventures in a digital scrapbook.
But I know I will get back into this funk again as it happens every year. The depression kicks into full gear and I’m left rotting in my bed. It’s why I fill my calendar with things to do and say yes to every shoot that crosses my path. I’m hoping I can keep up with this balanced lifestyle. And that I keep up with blogging to update you all on my progress. Here’s something we can do together this new year:
- Pick up a slow hobby like Junk Journaling and crocheting to keep yourself grounded
- Do something for yourself once a week. This could be going on a hike, exploring a new part of your town or city, cooking a meal you’ve always wanted to cook, etc.
- Deep clean your space when you’re feeling in a rut. Looking at something clean might be the motivation you need.
- Take a mini break from what’s stressing you out. It’s ok to pause and reflect every once in a while.
