Photography involves different types of exposures. If a picture comes out too dark or bright, blurry or you want to focus on a specific piece of the picture you may have to change the exposure. When I first received my camera in the mail I was so excited. It was a nice expensive one with different lenses and I couldn’t wait to go out and take pictures. I had read a little bit on the camera and how it worked but it really took me going out and practicing to learn how to adjust the exposure and have a picture come out with good quality. I should add in here that I am still not even close to being a great photographer, but I still like to try. Sometimes it takes me a few tries to get the picture to look just the way I want it to. Some settings are also easier for me to take pictures while others can be more of a challenge.

I feel like life is kind of like this too. We are living our lives in different degrees of exposure. We expose ourselves to people, places, foods, music, and so much more. Some of these exposures may be great and some more challenging. Some may be a little awkward at first but once you adjust or practice it will become more clear and comfortable. There may be discomfort when it comes to stepping out of the box we keep ourselves in and venture out. But as we walk through life, we discover how to weather that discomfort and discover more about who we are by learning who we are not.

I am not typically one to keep myself in a box. I love adventures and traveling, trying new things, and learning. In 2013, I found myself in a place that was comfortable and didn’t provide a lot of exposure. So, I decided to be a traveling OT for the next 2.5 years. I stepped out of my box and learned that living in a busy place like NYC is not for me. Living in Texas however is. I have met some of the most interesting people. I have experienced different cultures. I have learned that after being in social settings with a lot of people, I need to be alone to recharge. During that alone time though I am still gaining exposure through listening to podcasts, reading books, and even just watching movies on Netflix. I love coffee shops. Through my traveling, coffee shops have been a staple for me to find because they are a place that I can be around people, but I don’t necessarily have to converse with them which allows for my introverted self to still recharge.

Just like when learning photography, living a life on a spectrum of exposures takes practice and going out to explore and try new things. If you are stuck and unsure of where to start, you can ask for help. I know for me, I find different events on social media that look interesting and sometimes I will try them out alone and sometimes with a friend. I have been able to learn more of who I am and what I value in life through this practice and exploring different arenas in life. I can also sit and ask myself what it is I need. Sometimes the answer I get is being out in nature, or read a book, or visit a friend, or go to a coffee shop. I find so much more joy in life when I allow myself to come out of my box and expose myself to what is around me.

What are some ways that you gain different degrees of exposure? Have you taken the time to ask yourself what it is you are needing?