It's remarkable how differently I think now. I started off thinking I'd film 365 seconds, and then be glad it's over. What I didn't realize was how much can change in a second. ...or perhaps, how much these moments would change me.
For better or worse I have a reputation for making these tiny films. I'm also known for greeting everyone with a high five, writing gratitudes daily, and being a positive person in general. Each of these things began as a simple choice --something I wanted to do, and something repeatable every day. I didn't realize until much later that these tiny actions inform the way people describe me. By the same token, how empowering it was to understand that I can write my future reputation with a few simple, repeatable actions today.
That shift in understanding was huge for me. What began as a simple one-year project turned into a garden that I tend daily because it, in turn, nourishes and enriches my life:
At this point I can't imagine my life without these One Second Films. In some way it feels like they've been a companion and witness to the best and worst years of my life. On the best days it's saying, "Enjoy this! Soak it up. Remember it," and on the worst it says, "This too is an important part. Keep moving forward," all the while nudging me to make my art.
Yet, there may come a day when I no longer feel a need or desire to keep filming. That also may be part of my story. Committing to a lifelong project is perhaps admirable but also very daunting. I want to give myself permission to be a different person tomorrow than I am today. After all, that's what this project has been trying to teach me from day one.