Looking for peace and quiet....and happiness

[etnbtlh]

Well, it's been a while since I posted anything on TPF, particularly the "Open Talk" section, but after the last few months, I felt a need to get a lot off my chest.

I know a lot of nice people on here chimed in on their thoughts regarding my last thread entitled "Contemplating leaving photography", and for a while I did want to quit and give it all up. And for a few weeks after that post, things got VERY difficult for me, regarding my work.

Ever since the middle of March, I've been dealing with damaged equipment being fixed, an overflow of work (which I couldn't delegate to anyone at the time), the abrupt ending of a business partnership that I thought would be extremely beneficial for me, and, losing my best friend of the last six years. The latter has proved to be the hardest for me to deal with, but I sort of deserve it because I chose to ignore sound advice, regarding my business.

(Long story short, my former best friend took a slight interest in photography, and I chose to help out, even to the point of loaning this person gear and having her 2nd shoot weddings with me. However, she chose to bail on me when I needed my gear back temporarily, one thing led to another, and we're no longer on speaking terms. And YES, I did get my camera back from her.)

All of that had (and has) worn me down a great deal, to where I really have a love/hate relationship with photography these last few weeks. I hate it because it grates on me at times and it's lead to serious alienation from my family and so-called friends, and has made me realize that marriage is impossible for me, but I love it because of the numerous memories I've provided for nearly everyone I've encountered.

So, while I'm gonna stick at this for another year, I have decided that I am gonna take a vacation this summer. Even if it's staying at the Chateau de Couch resort overlooking my living room (LOL!), I do need some real time away from photography, just to recharge and get exanguinate some hurt and bitterness that's built up over the last few months. I am NOT going to quit, because that's be throwing away everything I've spent the last six years building. I just need a break, a break I've sorely earned.

Thoughts, comments and flames welcome!

Take care and have a great weekend.

[CaptainTom]

Erik
My thought is that you are a very articulate and intelligent person who is having some challenges at the moment. It sounds like you are working things out a little at a time. If moving away from the camera makes sense to you then that's what you will do. I don't know you and won't attempt advice. Best of luck, and remember that we are still here and we are a pretty good group of folks.

[sandy_ruotolo]

Erik, good louck, and look forward to hearing from you again once you taken the time you need .

[Angelo]

Erik, I've been stepping away, periodically, from photography for almost 50 years.
Every time I come back it's a much stronger love for the art.
Enjoy your time away, and enjoy life...
We'll be here when your ready to get back.

[planespotter]

Follow your heart, Erik....no matter what, follow your heart...there are alot of things in this world that seem to work against you, but just remember that the world isnt anything without YOU in it....and that means following your heart and doing what you do, whatever that may be....Shalom

[janetg]

sorry you are going through a tough time. enjoy the chateau!!

[C!LLY]

good luck. thats about all I can say.

[kenw]

Remember, happiness is what you make of it. No one is guaranteed happiness, even the Declaration of Independence speaks only to the “pursuit of happiness”, not happiness itself. We may not control our situations, but we most definitely control our attitude about those situations.

Good luck, take care and enjoy the day you are given.

We look forward to your return.