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January 11, 2009
Listen to Life:  "Show Me Who You See In Me
 
This Wednesday we'll have an opening reception at Good to Go Caf� for a small segment of my work titled "Show Me Who You See in Me."  I'm proud of the body of work, and moved by the meaning of the title.  It is something we can all do.
 
Several years ago, I explained to a young woman the how and why of my photographic style in trying to reveal who I see in women from my side of the gender fence, and by listening attentively to the things she says and those she silences.  She then said, "I would love for you to show me who you see in me."  It takes courage to ask, and trust to share.  But we would all grow if we did both.
 
Obviously, this sort of exchange should be born in mutual respect.  Do your friends know who and what you see in them?  Do your parents?  Your children?  Do your kids know that you see in them the positive characteristics of family members they have never met, or looks of ancestors long gone?  Do your parents know that you see in them the epitome of work, dedication and balance...and, perhaps, simple humanity?  Does the stocker at the store know that you see in him the shining example of courtesy and service?  Do your employees know that you see in them the talent and compassion that will take them far? 
 
It is much easier to tell others who and what you see in them than it is to ask.  But, it may be worth trying with a family member or friend.  Simply ask, "Tell me who you see in me."  The results can be grounding, inspiring and affirming.  Don't expect only answers of perfection.  One of the questions that I use in many of my self-discovery writing workshops is "the people who love you most genuinely would say you are what?"  Answers ranging from beautiful to rugged, from patient to impatient, and from sublime to smart aleck are all observations of those who love you.  They comprise who you are.  Welcome to humanity; welcome to being loved as imperfect.  
 
 
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Beginning on Christmas Eve, I began a weekly Christian-based newsletter titled "Faith's (im)Perfect Journey."  I hope that in sharing these thoughts your faith journey will also be enhanced.  I will not assume that all Listen to Life subscribers want this newsletter, too.  To subscribe, send an e-mail to [email protected] with the word FAITH in the subject line.  Previous issues can be found at my newsletter archive link below.
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Listen to Life is a  free newsletter about learning and getting more from life by paying attention to our own stories and the stories of others, based on the presentations, writings, photography and workshops by Dion McInnis (www.dionmcinnis.com).  Copyright 2009 Dion McInnis.  All rights reserved.




Presentations and Exhibitions

Recent Citings of Dion 

"Watch a gorgeous, relaxing sunset"
Woman's World, June 16

"Sweet Sendoffs" about "sending your kids to college with hugs" in August 2008 Better Homes and Gardens Magazine

Topic: Pixels and Photography
South China Morning Post newspaper


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Perfect gifts for the photographers on your gift lists. Click below to preview and order.
 
A Guide to Seeing ...
By Dion McInnis
Close, closer, closest
By Dion McInnis
Learn more about Dion's presentations and topics, all based on creativity, listening to life, and celebrating all people. 
Enjoy, "God, You're Beautiful...What We Say, We Say to God," my free PDF booklet.
 
 
 
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Dion McInnis
Celebrating All People in Images and Words