When I was 18, I did what all 18 year old's do: some predictable act of teenage rebellion! For me, this was getting a tattoo (what would become the first of a few) and I decided on wings on my hips. Less slutty than it sounds (no really, they're tiny and lovely) what it meant to me was perspective. To fly up above and see things from another perspective, if you must have it spelled out for you. Putting things into perspective keeps me positive and ambitious....it can be so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that there's an entire world out there that awaits. I might as well of gotten "National Geographic" or their famous yellow rectangle logo tattooed on me!
As the year winds down, we all inevitably get into self-reflection mode. Instead of going over your personal drama from the year (decide what is worth it and what is frivolous, and don't bother wasting time on anything that fits into the latter category....easier said than done but worth it) gain a little perspective! Here are National Geographic's annual Year in Photos for 2011 and the winners of their 2011 photo contest! I was blown away. Beautiful and stunning and truly intelligent.
My personal favorites:
Part 2, 14 - I'm a hopeless romantic...romance for the sake of romance and nothing else in the midst of violence? Swoon.
Photo contest, 12 - My ex and I had a fascination with Great Whites that bordered on obsession....a mixture of fear and....well, more fear made it so we watched every shark movie under the sun. Sharktopus included. This picture is my greatest fear but I have no doubt that I'll do it one day!
Part 1, 24 - A delicate reminder that a midst all the shock, trauma and debris of the March tsunami that hit Japan, what they took time to save were memories and reminders of the future. Also, more proof that Asian babies are the cutest. I mean...look at them! No contest.
Enjoy!
x
