Reflections On 2018: Using Nature's Chaos To Improve My Mental Wellbeing

While reflecting on 2018, it's fair to say it was a struggle. It was more of a struggle than I felt comfortable admitting even to those closest to me.

However, towards the end of the year, I began to realise why.

After finishing a consulting contract in October, I re-immersed myself into nature. Something I'd neglected during the course of the contract.

While Hertfordshire isn't graced with dramatic views, large rock faces and deep valleys - the standard medicine for a landscape photographer - it makes up for with vast, sprawling ancient forests.

My favourite of these is Ashridge Forest.

It's on the edge of the Hertfordshire-Buckinghamshire border (if you don't know it, I highly recommend visiting in spring for the incredible bluebell displays). I also enjoy strolling around Heartwood, Broxbourne and Hatfield Park and several other smaller forests.

Autumn Afterglow, Ashridge Forest, Hertfordshire - November, 2019

Searching For Optimism; Discovering Self-Awareness

Despite struggling to find a reason for optimism at key points in the year I am determined to draw the positives from a period that has, at times, been very dark. It's hard to explain why, but I'm sure these feelings have built up over a period of years.

I’m now more aware of my mental well-being than ever and while I don’t have all the tools to prevent my issues from consuming me, I have found some peace in the local forests.

The act of going for a walk in the forest most days helps me greatly.It is like brain nectar. On some occasions, I go out with the intention of exposing film when the conditions suit, but often I go out to just appreciate my surroundings and connect with the essence of life itself.

This is the start of my process for making woodland photographs.

In order to make woodland photographs, the needs to mean something to me. I have to connect with it. It must inspire me. I often do this just by going for a stroll, but in the summer I will take my laptop (or a book) with me and get some work done while sitting under a tree.

Going into the woods gives me time to contemplate the future. It's a place where I can lose myself for a few hours.

Looking Forward To 2019

2019 will be a year of change for me on many fronts. There is a lot to be excited and optimistic about.

I'm also determined to improve my mental wellbeing and find ways to deal with those times when it feels like the world is about to cave in.

I aim to do this through photography, through meeting other people who've faced similar challenges in life, and by reconnecting with my true self through nature.

I also plan to share my journey, using nature to beat depression and anxiety for good.

Thanks for your support.