Half

Half. When I think of half, I always think of that proverb, you know the one: "Is the glass half full or half empty?"  I've always been on Team Half FULL and I found a great article on why half full is just plain better than half empty. Here's what Forbes has to say on the subject:

Research  has found that seeing the glass half full not only makes you  happier, it makes you healthier and wealthier. A study by Psychologist Susan Segerstrom found that ten years after graduation, law students who were optimistic earned an average of $32,667 more than their glass-half-empty peers.

Expecting good things to happen will lead to taking actions that produce positive results. Expecting only more bad stuff to come your way will keep you from doing the very things that might have minimized or avoided just that!

The word “optimism” actually derives from the Latin word “optima,” meaning the best outcome or belief in the greatest good. While some people are naturally more optimistic than others, ultimately we all get to wake up every day and choose whether we are going to be a glass half-full, or a glass half-empty person.

Below are 7 strategies for filling up your cup of optimism. My challenge to you is to try at least one of these and notice the difference it makes to your outlook and your life. 

{Click below to read more about each 7}

1.  SET YOUR INTENTION

2. DO SOMETHING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

3. REFRAME A PROBLEM INTO AN OPPORTUNITY

4. AVOID ENERGY DRAINERS

5. CARRY YOURSELF LIKE AN OPTIMIST

6. LIGHTEN UP

7. EXERCISE {Rats. I should have known exercise would be involved.}

This week, I bought a half full storage unit from a local photographer who is a wonderful friend. I was just going to pick around in there. But he made a me a good deal on hauling it all away and clearing out the unit. When I looked at it, I thought "it's only half full" We should be able to get that on Friday, no problem.  Thankfully Michael is the realist in this relationship. He reserved me a 16ft truck and we filled it up. Crazy right? Bottom line, I've got some cool new stuff and some great vintage old stuff and some strong boys.

It was GREAT going through your wonderful collection of halves this week. There were some I knew we'd see and some that were wonderful wildcards. Thanks to the wonderful photographers who participate in this group. Housekeeping: If you want to share your photo with our blog, Click the arrow below your photo on flickr and make sure the HTML is not disabled. Its the only way we pull photos.

Our top ten is always in no particular order. When you love the portrait, check out the artist. Thanks to the new Flickr updates, the artist links are back below each shot. Click ahead. Check them out. Here we go...

ONE {Love the color pops and the skewed angle of the glass. Makes this shot really interesting!}

Thirsty? by Paul McStay

TWO {Twin merge may be the next photoshop shake up. I love it so much. I love that they have nearly equal amounts of wonderful freckles!}

Two halves don't necessarily make one by Tony McCann

THREE {Gorgeous black and white of a beautiful lady. Looking good Sister!}

EP52 26/52 {half} by Anita

FOUR {Half standing flowers have never looked better. GREAT find this week. Wonderful focus and beautiful yellow!}

26/52 half by Detta Owens

FIVE {Half a shadow! It's so Peter Pan. Such a fun shot for this week - Great b&w!}

26/52 Theme: Half by Catcher In My Eye

SIX {Queen of the sunburst strikes again. No one does a better sunburst than Terry. Beautiful landscape!}

Project 52 Half by Terry Lynn Ayers

SEVEN {I love how you work in baseball to these weekly adventures. Half way to sunset, Half way thru the game. Great combo and that sunset created some fantastic lighting!}

EP Project 52 - 26/52 - Half by Lissa

EIGHT {Beautiful tone and texture. Well done.}

Project 52 - Topic - Half by norasphotos4u

NINE {Ah-May-Zing reflection! Love that I can see so many clouds. Great find.}

26/52 - Half by Jennifer Nealy

TEN {Life is good. Great backdrop to a wonderful half full attitude.}

Week 26 - "Half" by Irela

www.mpebyirela.com

www.myphotographiceyebyirela.blogspot.com

Week 27's theme is: "Red, White or Blue" Use one or use 'em all.

Sneak Peek Alert! Week 28's theme is: Pair

What's new with Daphne Ellenburg?

I spent most of this week doing the thing that Photographers hate the most, data entry. YUCK. Yep, I had all my information neatly in a file cabinet but not really in any software that made it easy to find or use. Since Summers are notoriously slow around most studios, I thought I'd be ready for it.

When I wasn't keying in two years of addresses and phone numbers, I bought some fabric to make newborn hats, pants and leg warmers. My Mom is quite the seamstress.

I was home for bath time every day this week. Bath time is the best.

Went shopping with all the Ellenburgs for paint and go kart parts. He drives like his mother.

Painted Michaels newest rental house. (Well, 3 rooms of it.)

And set up this great storage find Moon in the studio. I really love it.

Wishing you a wonderful week filled with family, fun and photography! Make it a GREAT week!

XoXoXo,

Daphne

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Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a Portrait photography business located in Southern Alabama with a supportive family and a new fancy-pants NEW 2000 sq ft studio. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and newly all things Apple. Daphne also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com