Sayonara 2020 Its been real… enlightening, challenging, boring and well just unlike any other year. We have questioned every fiber of what normal looks like and what life is supposed to be. It has been quite the existential crisis for some. It has also brought people together and helped them find their “Tribe”.
I highly recommend picking up and reading Tribe, by Sebastian Junger. Junger lays out the importance of having a tribe. Jerry Landrums Synopsis of the book points to he juxtaposes American Indian tribal society against modern American society. Tribal communities faced existential challenges ranging from starvation to murderous attacks from other tribes. In order to survive, each member had to do their part. Because of their loyalty to the group, freeloading, treason, and cowardice were rare occurrences; but when they did occur, the tribe acted decisively. In modern society, such cooperation for survival is not necessary. There is no need to work together in agricultural or hunting endeavors to survive. The result is a comfortable but isolated way of life.” I see this becoming so relevant right now. During a time of such such unknown, people are holding on tight to their beliefs more than ever and have found solace in finding like minded individuals. Their tribe is formed and through it they find their voice.
Now this post was not intended to get philosophical. It was meant to show off the fun shoot I did last year with my seniors right before 2020 hit. My seniors had so much excitement in their eyes getting ready to turn the corner into their last semester in school and venturing out into the real world. But the real world slapped them in the face in March when they learned that their little bubble of high school had been penetrated and all the excitement they looked forward to in the coming months would be stripped away from them. What did they do? Sure they cried and sulked for a few days but most of all they persevered and were resilient. They found new ways to celebrate, some were so creative.I was so proud of these seniors. Just as I am so proud of this year seniors.
This next year will bring so many challenges just like the previous but with time we learn to adapt to the new normal and we start to find importance in things that might not have been as clearly layout to us before. We have learned that we crave connection with others and we cannot get every joy in life from our devices. I hope for you that this year brings clarity it what really matters. That you can find your tribe and feel a connection with someone.
