I saw an inspirational plaque in a photo shop in Weymouth. I thought its contents profound and insightful – mixed with just the right amount of wit.

It said, "Life is like a camera: just focus on what is important & capture the good times; develop from the negatives & if things don't work out, just take another shot."

Writers often long to discover their own 'Signature Quote' – that pithy aphorism that they will be remembered for. Forrest Gump had his, "Life is like a box of chocolates..." I hope that whoever had come up with, "Life is like a camera..." was rather pleased with the result. I know I would have been.

'Focus' is a core concept for me nowadays. But what to focus on? The received wisdom here is on what is important and the good times. When we are low, it seems naturally easy to obsess over the bad times and frankly on what is less important. What is important to you? That's a question that only you can answer – but it's a core question that needs a heartfelt response.

As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your definition of 'good times' is also unique to you. The call to action, though, is a great one for all of us: capture the good times. This is why I always have a camera or camera-phone with me. Good times are everywhere.

'Develop from the negatives' was a great way of putting the need to move on from the negatives – to make them serve our own purpose, and then move on from them.

But the final passing shot was the best shot for me: "If things don't work out, just take another shot." It's never too late to press the shutter to capture the good times of a new scene.

If you'd be happy to share, there are several cues here to respond to. What's important to you? What are 'good times' to you? What negatives have you learned from and then moved on from? When and where in your life have you taken another shot?

I'm not asking you to answer all those questions below, but I'm sure it would help if you thought about them all.

Here's to the good times and what is truly important.

Neil

A Moodscope member.