Picture Hope: The Truth of the Matter

"I don't think there's anything wrong," my friend tells me after the tenth hour of hashing things out at a weekend long planning meeting where I was less engaged than usual.  "I just think you're not on this continent anymore.  You're there."

I start to object, make my case for why it's not true and then I come across this picture, taken by one of the kids running around in the yard with the Rebel XTi I can hardly keep track of the second we get to the village.  I can't tell if it's 1950 or 2010.  The only thing that makes sense is the ease and peace of mind I feel looking back on myself in this scene and the hope that stirs in my heart whenever I think about my future.

Embedded was one of the words Stephanie used to describe me in Rwanda.  Seamless was another.  Merged.

Whatever the term, I think my friend got it right.  Something deep in me has made the move.  I know what I'm meant for now.  I know what I need to do.

++++++++++++++++

How about you?  Do you have a photo that reminds you of a defining moment?  A version of you that helps you know who you are and what matters to you?  Share your favorite self-defining portraits in the comments below.

Comments

[Elizabeth Harper]

This picture is one taken of me in a very clear defining moment....one where there was no doubt, only awareness and one I will never forget.

http://www.giftsofthejourney.com/Elizabeth_Harper-Gifts_of_the_Journey/Blog/Entries/2008/8/28_My_Allegiance_To_Love.html

I love that you know what you need to do now, Jen There is a gift in that.

[Kathleen O./ko2008]

That photo tells so many stories. Beautiful and true.

Here's mine: when I looked at it I realized that we two are a unit, a family, for real.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/2446809613/in/set-72157605477870466/

[michelle shopped]

love that dress -- i had a therapist who gave me a patchwork potholder once made out of batik fabrics she'd collected in africa -- it was beautiful and symbolic. You look settled there, totally embracing where you're at in the moment *sigh*

[kristin]

oh my jen that gives me goosebumps for you. what a defining moment facing your truth.
big love and best wishes on what that means for you!

[Lucy]

my heart melts and yearns for that "knowing" you've come to...

[Lu]

That image of you says it all. You look completely at peace.

[Paige]

I don't really know the context of your travels to Rwanda, but your note today touched me. How many of us continue to look for ways to know "the hope that stirs in my heart whenever I think about my future," and never find our way or haven't the courage to leap? You are blessed.

[Alyssa]

I don'f have a photograph of it - just a word image:
My dad came to visit me in Nepal, and after returning, I heard him describe me, in Kathmandu to a family member. He was laughing and said "She was walking ahead of me, in her bouncy, long-legged stride, a full head taller than everyone else, laughing and chatting with shopkeepers and friends she ran into." He also confessed to me that my emails home about my extended stay and travels in Nepal were "profoundly inaccurate" my eyes saw something he just couldn't see about this place on the other side of the world.
Embedded, seemless, merged... yup, I totally get it.

[Angel]

How wonderful that you have found your purpose and your passion. You do look beautiful there - relaxed and happy. Best of luck as you find your way to this new destination.

[carolyn]

i love this photo, and this post.
i LOVE the fabrics in the garments!

i don't have a defining moment captured in a photo.
(i am rarely in any photos...)
i have a defining moment without the pic, and it is a sad private realization. i could handle it completely if it didn't involve love. i hope I can navigate beyond it... i remain hopeful.

wishing you all the best!