You would think a photo essay about life would be more colorful. The moments I’ve felt alive the most look something like this: something raw and real, not something saturated and photoshopped.

“Whatever you do, never run back to what broke you.” – Frank Ocean

The moments I feel alive are not always happy. Half of these photos have been taken when I’m at my lowest, but it’s a “good feeling.” It’s a good feeling to be able to feel.

“We suffer more in imagination than reality.” – Anonymous

To be forever free is what I wish for. I don’t like the feeling of being caged, or, essentially, the feeling of not being able to live. I want to see the world in a perspective no one has seen before.

“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” – Lemony Snicket

Sadness is a feeling most can relate to, and most hate. When people look out into the world around them, it’s guaranteed that most of them will feel sadness, and hate, and despise the world because of it. Personally, feeling sad is a “good feeling.” Because that’s how I know I’m alive. It’s a good feeling to know I am capable of feeling.

“May the flowers remind us why the rain is necessary.” – Xan Oku

I think it’s sad that the feeling of life is so uncommon. Because everyday we live, but do we really live? If we did, I wouldn’t have been sitting here writing this photo essay. Yet, since this feeling is so uncommon, here I am, sharing the rare moments when I actually feel like I’m living life. Sad, isn’t it?

“This world will always be filled with lovely things. Continue to look for them.” – Anonymous