Photos: La Maddalena and Bosa, Sardinia
My favourite colour is blue. I often take a lot of photos of blue, wherever it may be. If you follow me on Instagram (and/or Facebook) you will often see ‘blue’ photos appearing.
It is (thus) also my company colour. Blue is the colour of calm and clarity. And for me it is especially the blue of the blue sky, the sea where islands lie, a blue zone. An image connected to a sense of freedom and clarity, something to long for when life gets busy or if you are surrounded by too much clutter, or still have much ‘to do’. I wish everyone such a ‘blue zone’ in their mind, work, and home.
Blue zones actually exist. Since 2000, there has been research on the ‘Blue Zones’ on Earth: areas where people are generally healthier and live longer than elsewhere. There are five zones in the world: Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California). Research has found similarities in the lifestyle of people in these areas. The ‘Blue Zoners,’ for example, eat a lot of vegetables, little meat, and enjoy an occasional glass of wine. They get enough exercise, so the gym isn’t necessary, and they rest enough. They don’t draw a sharp line between work and leisure, and they continue working until they can’t physically handle it anymore. Their life is their life, they are content with ‘enough,’ and family takes precedence over their career. They also have a clear goal in life that is ‘close’ to them. For example, living as environmentally friendly as possible, growing their own vegetables, working with pleasure, having time for friends, and having a welcoming and tidy home. They also place importance on the feeling of belonging. To a close or wider family, or a village. Being part of something larger gives a sense of security. We can take an example from them in our busy lives. And why not make small changes in that direction?
The Blue Zones… I am not moving there right away, but I do strive for harmony and clarity. Also in my work, I enjoy helping people gain control and clarity. And since 2018, especially with sorting and organizing photos, and creating beautiful photo books. I’ve made many people happy with that! Because when your family history, which is often what it’s all about, is well-documented and accessible, you can easily tell the family stories that go with it. And that makes people happy. That’s one step toward a ‘Blue Zone’!