18/12/2023
Newcastle Quayside
35mm
This time of year has me feeling conflicted.
I feel a pull to slow down and stay in
But there are so many expectations
And so much to ‘do’
and capitalism doesn’t put much value
in the ability to ‘be’
This time of year is marketed as ‘festive’ and ‘merry’
But I feel neither.
Don’t get me wrong,
I’m pretty content at the moment
But this time of year makes me more
contemplative and existential.
I think about death a lot. Like A LOT!
As the solstice approaches I also think about honouring and integrating the dark,
not fearing or forsaking it.
I want to welcome the return of lighter days
but not before learning the lessons
winter has for me.