A Sidestep With Social Media

I have recently made the decision to limit myself on social media, and the results have been truly liberating. It reminds me of when I chose to stop watching news channels during the height of the Covid pandemic. Instead, I started conducting my own research and gathering information without the influence of others' biases. This continues today.

I have experienced an incredible sense of freedom. I have been able to focus on real life interactions, which has had a tremendous positive impact on my mental well-being. I no longer feel the urge to constantly check my social media feeds or feel compelled to share every aspect of my life with the world. My privacy, which I value greatly, has been restored.

Moving forward, I plan to re-engage with social media, but with less frequency and a greater emphasis on real life interactions. Fortunately, I have lived through times when social media and the internet did not exist and by recreating those experiences, I have gained immense enrichment.

I encourage you to give it a try. You might discover that stepping away or limiting your time on social media can greatly enhance your life in so many ways.

Happy New Year when it gets here.

Private Charitable Acts

As professionals, we often find ourselves engaged in discussions about networking, personal branding, and showcasing our achievements. While these topics can be important in advancing our careers, there's one area where I prefer to take a different approach: my charitable activities.

Recently, I attended a networking event on the Wirral where I was met with a flippant comment that struck a nerve. "It's for charity, you know you do things for free for them," someone quipped, assuming that because I keep my charitable activities private, they hold little significance. But let me assure you, that couldn't be further from the truth.

For me, supporting charities has always been deeply personal. I believe that acts of giving should arise from a genuine desire to make a positive impact, rather than seeking recognition or praise. Keeping my charitable endeavors private allows me to focus on the true essence of giving – helping others.

Choosing not to broadcast my charitable activities doesn't diminish their importance or impact. In fact, it strengthens the authenticity of my intentions. Every action taken in support of a charity or extending kindness to those in need is a heartfelt decision for me, irrespective of whether it's publicised or not.

Charitable giving is not about gaining attention or accolades; it's about making a difference in the lives of others. It's about lending a helping hand, supporting causes close to our hearts, and building a better world for everyone. And in doing so, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that transcends beyond ourselves.

Remember, it's not about how loudly we announce our deeds; it's about the lasting impact we create in the lives of those we touch.

#privatecharitableacts #humblegiving

Lens Choice: The Art of Photography

When it comes to choosing the perfect lens for any photography situation, it requires a certain level of experience with lenses of various focal lengths and understanding their impact on different subjects.

For instance, portraits tend to look their best when taken with a longer focal length, such as 85mm. Beyond this focal length, portraits really shine. They possess a stunning slimming effect and the background blur takes on a painterly quality.

On the flip side, wide-angle lenses like 24mm and wider can also be used for portraits, but caution must be exercised due to significant distortion, especially towards the edges of the photograph. To minimize this distortion, it's advisable to keep the subject in the center of the frame.

These days, many smartphones boast extreme wide lenses, which are fantastic for capturing breathtaking landscapes. However, I've been noticing an abundance of photos featuring groups of people, with those on the edges appearing extremely distorted. If you need to capture a group shot, my recommendation would be to take a step back and zoom in, allowing for a more visually pleasing image.

In conclusion, mastering the art of lens choice requires a deep understanding of various focal lengths and their impact on different subjects. Whether it's capturing the perfect portrait or a sprawling landscape, selecting the right lens is a vital element in achieving stunning, well-balanced photographs.

#photography #lenses