**“The camera makes you forget you’re there. It’s not like y..

**“The camera makes you forget you’re there. It’s not like you are hiding but you forget, you are just looking so much.”** – Annie Leibovitz This quote definitely describes me when I'm out photographing, especially if it's on a boardwalk or in nature. I absolutely LOVE being out, with my phone set to "Do Not Disturb," maybe enjoying some coffee... it's just peaceful, without distractions. 📸 I saw a video the other day where a creator talked about how millennials are the last generation to experience actual boredom. Picture this: you're lying in bed with nothing to do. You can't connect to the internet because then the phones won't work, or you have already used your internet time for the week. There's nothing fun on TV, no one else is home, and then the doorbell rings. It's your friends on their bikes asking if you want to go to the mall. Not to go shopping or anything, but just to hang out. Maybe you go to the movies, maybe you buy a snack or a drink, or maybe you're renting a movie and watching it together. The video struck a chord with me. I'm so grateful to be part of a generation that knows what boredom is, learned how to deal with it, and didn't have a non-stop flood of information from everywhere. I think we could all use a break from it very often. So, here's my exercise for you this week: for at least an hour a day, put your phone on "Do Not Disturb." Every morning when you wake up, don't start scrolling right away. Do something else, like have a coffee outside, take a walk, grab your camera and do some nature photography, or do some yoga/gym. Practice being without your phone and digital connection. It's something I know I need to be better at. Anyways, this might not be a challenge for some of you, but I know it is for most people today. **So, here's to nature and being disconnected!** 🌱🐊