“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest”. Confucius
As the year draws to a close, for me it is always a time of deep reflection. I think about where I started twelve months ago and where I am now. I love to think and sometimes think perhaps a little too hard. But reflecting on one’s life while embracing all the good and the bad is a wonderful way to see the progress you’ve made or failed to make on this journey we call life.
Here are some of my favorite reflections from the past year.
Enjoying one of many sensational runs around my lovely Lake Harriet. This one occurred on a fine spring day in May.
“The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we inhabit are not only critical elements in the quality of life we enjoy – they are a reflection of the majesty of our Creator”. - Rick Perry
Eating lunch in Vanoise National Park, France and reflecting on the beauty and peace of Mother Nature.
“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” – Thomas Paine
An evening kayak ride along Rabbit Lake in Northern Minnesota last summer.
“Without deep reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people”. -Albert Einstein
Photo taken in Guatemala where I spent a week volunteering last April.
“The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face”. -William Makepeace Thackeray
Reflections of an ancient Chinese Water Village. The goldfish below are a sign of good luck.
Just as fall was drawing to a close, I got the last snaps of reflections across my lovely lake, a place I run each day and do much thinking there.
And perhaps my favorite reflection of this year is in this photo….may there be many more wonderful, reflective sunsets that fill my life with joy.
This post is my second entry in this week’s photo challenge: Reflections. To view more, click here.
Superb images!
Thank you!
Beautiful reflections!
Thank you!
Reblogged this on Wanderlust.
Thanks for the reblog!
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Wow! Beautiful photos. My favourite picture and title is Rabbit Lake
Thank you so much! I love that one too!
Heart Reflections and Love your photos – thanks for sharing:) Have a Great One!
Thanks Renee!
Lovely photos!
If you like photography, we’d like to invite you to participate in our next Travel Photography Competition. Here are the details:
http://hitchhikershandbook.com/your-contributions/travel-photography/
Happy travels!
Super cool site! I would love to post some of my travel photos on your page. I have over 600 posts on thirdeyemom and also have many on http://www.thethirdeyeworld.com which is more in line with what you are doing on the Facebook page. I’ll try to enter one soon! Just really busy this time of year!
Just subscribed to your blog and FB so I can get more updates. Feel free to check out my page too at http://www.facebook.com/thirdeyemom. 
Nicole
I absolutely LOVE the falling leaves photo
Thanks! That is one of my favorites too!
Wish we had leaves again. Another six months now…
Can’t even pick a favourite! (you’ve convinced me to talk to you as you’re gone on 6th Jan, but you don’t have to talk back-honest)
Don’t be silly Jo!
Thanks for the comment! I have a lot of catching up to do now!
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Beautiful! Love every single one of them!
Thanks Amy! I need to catch up on reading my blogs and check out your entry! Soon!
You are a superb photographer and reflecting back on this year or any year, I am certain you have much to be proud of. You seem to do much for many…what an inspiration you are to us.
Oh thank you so much LuAnn! I try!
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Beautiful shots!!
Thank you! Love your gravatar image! Wow.
That is a spectacular sunset. Great post for the challenge.
Thank you so much!
It was taken in Wisconsin.
Brilliant! And a lovely selection of quotes. I’m feeling all inspired at the beginning of this wonderful Saturday morning
Ha Ha…wonderful Lu! I love quotes. I really do. I feel they go so well with the pictures and make you really think.
Great post!… s
wonderful way to see the progress you’ve made
Thanks! It is so important to reflect. Life is going way too fast and if you don’t stop to take a breath it will be over, right!
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one of the best this week
Why thank you! Very kind!
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Reflections (4) « What's (in) the picture?
Your shots are beautiful; especially the last two.
Thank you so much!
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