Page 6 - Demo

With another year that has passed so quickly, we welcome in the new year with renewed energy, new dreams, new aspirations, new projects and new goals. Reflection is always a tonic. Albeit good or bad. I believe being honest with yourself is the first reality check in being able to reflect on the year that was. If it was a good year well then, this process is an easy one. If it was a bad year then this is a more challenging process. Facing one%u2019s own reality and then figuring out what to do about it not to try and repeat it.Personally, this was one of the toughest years I have ever experienced both from a professional, personal and photographic point of view. A perfect storm if you will. The positives that I take out of this is I made the end to the year and quite honestly used the two weeks leave between Xmas and New Year to fully recharge my batteries by relaxing like I have never done before, to the extent that my once awesome looking lawn looked like something more resembling a neglected abandoned home%u2019s lawn (and nothing I am proud of, just for the record!). The point is, the past year has affected each and every one of us differently. Some more seriously than others. And I have realised we need to be kind to ourselves and listen to our bodies and take that time we need. And together with the relaxation comes reflection which is no doubt also important.Now energised for the new year, one can face the challenges that the new year will be throwing at us. From a photographic perspective, the annual congress that was held in Parys and hosted and organized by Chris Nel and his team was a huge success, but unfortunately despite having booked and paid for the Congress I was unable to attend. Geoff as first Vice President did a sterling job by standing in for me at the annual Board meeting which is testament to the PSSA board members who offer up their time and can at any time stand in for any of the board members. These board members are truly amazing people as they make PSSA work, much like when one watches a duck swimming on a pond. It all looks like calm and well-coordinated but meanwhile below the surface there is a lot that is taking place %u2013 the paddling of the webbed feet surely and steadily to keep things moving in the right direction. Our board members and divisional heads are well placed and committed to providing another good year to you our members that we continue to serve.PRESIDENT%u2019S MESSAGE - SIMON FLETCHER APSSA, EPSSA(Cls), DPSSA(Vers), EFIAPe-Image January 2025