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Starting Over

Submitted on Jan 9, 2026 by  @mina

Lea este blog en español

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A Girl Like Me blogger @mina with a camera.
Photo courtesy of author

At the beginning of this new year, I decided to start over from scratch. To rebuild on new foundations and remind myself that I am also capable of doing great and beautiful things.

Some time ago, I said that I had become a shadow of myself. I was searching for the strength and courage to stand up again and return to what I have always loved. Today, I know that my biggest struggle is mental, but staying in bed won't change anything.

Recently, after months of negotiations, my sister finally sent me a camera. I knew it would be more than just a camera; it was probably the wake-up call I needed to reconnect with my passion and do what I've always loved.

During the holidays, I started going out again, attending the events I used to go to, just to reconnect. I took a few photos, shared them on my social media, and the response was the same as two years ago.

I thought my absence meant I had been forgotten, replaced... but nothing changed. My photos circulated on Facebook pages and groups, and I was incredibly happy. Happy because it motivates me to do even more, and because it proves that my place is still there. For now, no one can take it from me.

It's a new camera, and I still need time to fully get used to it, but I already love what I'm creating with it. Maybe that was what my happiness was truly missing.

I don't want to hold back my joy. I've been through such dark moments in my life that I refuse to deprive myself of this small light.

2026 is a year of renewal for me. I'm going to rediscover myself, fall back in love with life, and most importantly, live without worrying about others.

 

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Blogger Larissa (mina) and logo for A Girl Like Me.

Submitted by KatieAdsila
4

This was such a nice read, I enjoyed it and relate with it. I'm also working on a fresh slate to start the new year, but I'm working on quitting smoking. I'm really happy to hear that you have found your passion in photography, that's an art worth pursuing, and so satisfying. I'm also an artist, but I draw, you can see my drawings at "Katie's Graphites" on Facebook. I would love to see your work sometime, perhaps in your future blogs, or perhaps on a page of your own. 

Submitted by Marig2016
3

Cheers to you sweetie! I’m all too familiar with just staying in bed for hours, days on end but you’re right, what does it get us!! I am proud of you and would LOVE to see your work! And if you’re local to FL or in a state I travel to for work would love to work with you  Ya girl is long overdue for some professional photos! 

Looking forward to connecting more! Here’s my fb if you want to be friends or give me a follow. 
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BxsRhS55c/?mibextid=wwXIfr


I’m rooting for you and all that you’ll accomplish this year and how you’ll make yourself proud!

Submitted by @mina
3

Thank you, unfortunately I live in Cameroon in Africa. I hope my passion will take me around the world one day. This is my dream


I subscribed to you on Instagram. My name is Larissa Tjat

Submitted by AhmazinAshley
3

Thank you for This! Often, it isn't discussed how we lose passion and hope. Overtime we lose ourselves in everything else and neglect the things that we love. May 2026 be Prosperous year for you!

Submitted by JustineDD
2

I am so happy you were able to tap back into your craft. I can relate with stopping something I love so much just because life gets in the way. I look forward to seeing your work. 

Submitted by Ci Ci
1

It makes me smile to think of the strength you had to have to lift yourself out of the bed into the streets. At least that's how I envisioned it as I was reading - probably because that is a feeling I can relate to. But then once you get moving, things start falling into place. I would love to see your photos! How do I see them? Yay for getting out of the bed!

Submitted by @mina
0

Thank you, it’s true that I don’t have much content on my page yet, but I plan to invest even more time and effort into it very soon.

The name of my page is Geal Photography on Facebook and Instagram 


 

Submitted by Cupcake80
1

This gave me chills — because I recognize this moment so deeply. 🖤

That quiet decision to get out of bed anyway.

To pick up the thing that once made you feel alive.

To let joy back in without apologizing for it.

That’s not small.

That’s reclamation.

The way you named the mental weight without letting it win — that matters. And the fact that your work still found its way back into the world? That wasn’t luck. That was you remembering who you are.

You were never replaced.

You were resting.

You were surviving.

And now you’re returning — with new eyes, new softness, and the same undeniable spark.

Hold that light. Protect it fiercely.

You’ve earned every bit of this joy — and I’m so damn proud of you for choosing yourself and your art again. 📷✨

❤️🧁

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