In every single photo you decide to keep.

Let's have a look at my collection. Today, I will share with you some of my favorite original photos and the stories behind them.

Happiness is:

Finishing my iced coffee on the rooftop in an early afternoon.

It's probably the third time I asked myself: "How can I maintain this lifestyle?" After trying several jobs and learning some basics about several different professions, I have determined that what's really important to me is freedom. That is, not having to worry about what time I should finish doing something on a daily basis. Having deadlines and a little bit of pressure (even a lot) is OK, but I have to do something noble, something in which I have participated in deciding what's important to do, or something really exciting. Do you feel "trapped" in routines too? - Mind you, it takes a lot to break free and stay free! That's where we have to improve our sense of responsibility - or we might end up having very limited choices (like working a 9pm-6am job) again.

Finding time to be alone.

For introverts like me, an hour being alone is a much needed "recharge" session.

Finding new ways to do the same things.

It's just the third or fourth time I took photos of the moon. The second time, it's the blue-blood moon. We were on the rooftop for the sunset for the nth time, but when my wife looked on the other side, I heard the excitement in her voice. "Look! The moon!" - This is a moment just too good to ignore.

Staying focused but not as much as having 'tunnel vision'.

-This photo is what I was after. The moon was rising in the east, while the sun was setting in the west, giving me a bonus "happy shot." I'm glad there were six eyes on the rooftop in that afternoon.

A little bit of social life.

If being alone is my cup of tea, being with my family is my coffee. All of which I'd never want to live without.

I have long forgone my black-and-white thinking and stereotyping. We see variations everywhere. Though I needed to compromise a bit (reduce aperture) in order to keep both birds in focus, the results didn't satisfy me. So, I just took another shot and 'everyone's happy'!

I easily get distracted, so I do everything to keep my work environment quiet and distraction-free. I have two different user accounts on this PC for teaching and for blogging. I resist the temptation to carry my camera with me if the trip is not actually for a photo shoot opportunity and I have another duty that requires attention. There are many times when I appreciate distractions though, especially when coming from my loved ones.

I have a clean shot but the "distraction" in this photo was thrown right in front of the camera by my little sweetie. For me, this is what added value to this shot. -Someone special participated in the scene, making it unforgettable.

My examiner for an everyday distractability test!

Finding the perfect timing.

Even if your dreams seem too far away, there are times when you will see them clearly. You make obstacles smaller by focusing on what you want to achieve in the end. - These moments are precious. You feel motivated. You feel secure. Don't let it pass. Do what you can even when giving it all you've got would only allow you to inch ever closer to your dreams!

Accepting imperfections.

I didn't even notice the broken stem. I just focused on the composition and lighting. After spotting the blemish, I had my finger on the delete key, but I changed my mind probably because there are some good elements in the shot that I want to preserve and learn from. The same thing goes for your job or people you are with. We don't stay away from anyone just because of their perceived imperfections or we'd have to distance from our imperfect selves as well.

Having choices.

While I could be out on the road, I choose to earn from home. This is by far, my 'biggest cup of freedom'. Even if someone takes it away from me, I have learned how to get it and make the content 'sweet'. -I would find a way to get it back. So how can I maintain this lifestyle? You might have asked the same question and you might have a good answer in mind. Feel free to comment below. Share something that makes you happy.

Happiness is:

Appreciating the little things

The small voice, the small dream that just won't die no matter how many setbacks you have to overcome.

A gift from God...

...The One who paints the skies above...

...And keeps every creature alive.

Thanks for reading/viewing!

[Credits to the Author of Life]

Please stay tuned for my favorite everyday photos and the lessons I learned behind the scenes.