What is Enough?

Enough Goes Two Ways

Allen's Hummingbird, Male, in a Large Salvia

And then she said, "When will you have enough?"

She was referring to my photos after I had given a presentation.

This question has followed me in my thoughts for weeks because it has many dimensions, including:

Quantity

Yes, I have enough photos. I could stop now. And I'm very grateful for what I have done.

But if I stopped, my work would also stop.

So my presentations, photo class, and articles would stall where they are now, based on what I have.

Effort

As you age, effort costs more. In fact, you become more aware of effort because fatigue happens sooner. And sometimes even moderate effort can cause pain.

So sometimes I too wonder if I have enough.

But challenges can be good because they lead to making wiser, more careful choices

Mallard, Female, Resting on Still Water

Growth

For me, taking photos is more like traveling on a journey than reaching a destination.

As with any journey, there are always rewards.

For example, taking photos leads to learning that enhances my photo class. It leads to experiences that add stories to my presentations. And it leads to ideas that become articles.

So the process of taking photos expands the value of what I have.

More importantly, taking photos sustains my life.

How?

My purpose is to inspire respect for Nature. I fulfill that by taking photos so I can share Nature's beauty with others.

And you must know that having a purpose is essential for being fully alive. Your purpose creates meaning, importance, and significance, all of which lead to vitality.

So my answer to that question is: As long as I'm here, I will never have enough photos.