Some time ago, my colleagues and I got an email from my team leader inviting us to have a picture together for the company calendar.
I always loved calendars and I liked the idea very much.
However, as the participation was optional, I decided not to take part as I don't really like being at the centre of attention.
That is something coming from a writer who craves international recognition, isn't it?
Anyway, although I'd like to be famous, and I will be, I am yet to learn how to handle the reflectors' lights.
To be honest, I never liked being photographed. I am terrified of the idea. I believe I am not photogenic at all.
Thinking that you are better in real life than in photographs isn't somehow arrogant?
I am not referring to photoshopped photographs. In those, we are all super perfect and forever young.
Anyway, I wanted to know my teammates' thoughts on the matter.
So I spoke with them and it seemed that none was very eager to be immortalised on a calendar.
That made me very sad.
I took some time to reflect on it.
I thought that it would be amazing to have pictures with all my colleagues from around the world.
I imagined myself old and decrepit holding the future calendar in my hands remembering names, places, and situations that made me laugh... or cry.
It seemed such an easy way to remember...
I asked myself how could I not take part when I like the idea so much?
What was the real reason for my refusal?
Was I upset with someone or with something in my company?
Bingo!
I was indeed upset because of a very unfortunate incident that happened in the past.
An occurrence that gave me an awful amount of distress.
A situation I thought (still think) was not handled properly by the people in charge of it.
They did their best to fix something that was very difficult to fix. However, I suffered and I lost a lot because of it.
I didn't know what to do so I isolated myself from most, even if I cared for many of my colleagues.
Years after, I am still haunted by that terrible experience.
But refusing to participate in a collective calendar was not fair.
The idea brought by Caroline, one of my dear colleagues I had my training with, was great and I appreciated it a lot.
I couldn't wait to see the final work.
So I discussed it again with some of my colleagues. I told them that we should be united at least once.
"One day we will regret not doing it."
Every team had a different month, of course.
We were lucky and got February, the month of love.
Our outfits and looks didn't have to be fancy or weird.
As long as we had hearts, teddy bears and red roses... everything was cool.
So we dressed up a little and when the day came, almost all my colleagues took part.
All women (all different) and a huge teddy bear.
Johan, the brilliant photographer, has been very patient and given us a lot of free will. We did whatever we liked and the result was great. I thought. Johan doesn't agree. I think he's too modest.
Caroline was present at our photo session too. I hugged her to express my positive feelings about the whole project thought by her.
Caroline was sweet enough to make me have the photo of her team to use in this post.
I really love their month, but I love mine better.
No hard feelings, dear Caroline.
I always loved calendars and I liked the idea very much.
However, as the participation was optional, I decided not to take part as I don't really like being at the centre of attention.
That is something coming from a writer who craves international recognition, isn't it?
Anyway, although I'd like to be famous, and I will be, I am yet to learn how to handle the reflectors' lights.
To be honest, I never liked being photographed. I am terrified of the idea. I believe I am not photogenic at all.
Thinking that you are better in real life than in photographs isn't somehow arrogant?
I am not referring to photoshopped photographs. In those, we are all super perfect and forever young.
Anyway, I wanted to know my teammates' thoughts on the matter.
So I spoke with them and it seemed that none was very eager to be immortalised on a calendar.
That made me very sad.
I took some time to reflect on it.
I thought that it would be amazing to have pictures with all my colleagues from around the world.
I imagined myself old and decrepit holding the future calendar in my hands remembering names, places, and situations that made me laugh... or cry.
It seemed such an easy way to remember...
I asked myself how could I not take part when I like the idea so much?
What was the real reason for my refusal?
Was I upset with someone or with something in my company?
Bingo!
I was indeed upset because of a very unfortunate incident that happened in the past.
An occurrence that gave me an awful amount of distress.
A situation I thought (still think) was not handled properly by the people in charge of it.
They did their best to fix something that was very difficult to fix. However, I suffered and I lost a lot because of it.
I didn't know what to do so I isolated myself from most, even if I cared for many of my colleagues.
Years after, I am still haunted by that terrible experience.
But refusing to participate in a collective calendar was not fair.
The idea brought by Caroline, one of my dear colleagues I had my training with, was great and I appreciated it a lot.
I couldn't wait to see the final work.
So I discussed it again with some of my colleagues. I told them that we should be united at least once.
"One day we will regret not doing it."
Every team had a different month, of course.
We were lucky and got February, the month of love.
Our outfits and looks didn't have to be fancy or weird.
As long as we had hearts, teddy bears and red roses... everything was cool.
So we dressed up a little and when the day came, almost all my colleagues took part.
All women (all different) and a huge teddy bear.
Johan, the brilliant photographer, has been very patient and given us a lot of free will. We did whatever we liked and the result was great. I thought. Johan doesn't agree. I think he's too modest.
Caroline was present at our photo session too. I hugged her to express my positive feelings about the whole project thought by her.
Caroline was sweet enough to make me have the photo of her team to use in this post.
I really love their month, but I love mine better.
No hard feelings, dear Caroline.
Alright?
The conclusion of this post is that you should always allow others to take pictures of yourself in different hypostases. Especially in the work environment.
One day you will feel grateful for the opportunity.
The years pass fast and the memories fade away even faster.
Many people deserve to remain in your heart.
A photograph is a great way to remember. It's tangible proof of the past.
Thank you, Caroline.
Thank you, Johan.
Goodbye BPA quality.
I will hold you in my memories forever.
The conclusion of this post is that you should always allow others to take pictures of yourself in different hypostases. Especially in the work environment.
One day you will feel grateful for the opportunity.
The years pass fast and the memories fade away even faster.
Many people deserve to remain in your heart.
A photograph is a great way to remember. It's tangible proof of the past.
Thank you, Caroline.
Thank you, Johan.
Goodbye BPA quality.
I will hold you in my memories forever.
Thank you so much for your visit.
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First of all I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick
ReplyDeletequestion which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
I've had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted just trying to figure out how
to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Thanks!
That is really kind of you to say, thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy history with writing is quite unique and complicated at the same time.
However, 10-15 minutes aren't loads to waste. It seems to me that you are doing great. Actually, a lot better than many of us.
Thanks for taking the time to write this nice comment.
Good luck!