I believe it is just as important to take a glance back once in a while, to reflect on where you have come, what have you learned, to be humble, to appreciate life just as important as it is to keep moving forward. In doing so recently, I see I made a few mistakes this past year in regards to work and my business. The biggest one for me was not setting enough time aside for me and our family. That is the non-photographer side of me, you know the person who wasn't glued to the computer all night, who made a disaster of the kitchen with her kids baking cookies, who curled up with a great book and loved it, who slept more. The person who would stop and sit with her girls to watch life in the backyard.
They say hind-sight is 20-20 - so clear that my goal this year is to step into a balanced life (I LOL as a non-dog owner who watches Cesar the Dog Whisper, yes, I do watch it as a proud owner of two adorable kitties, who often says, and I paraphrase: you have to give them a balanced life...). So my goal is to step into a balanced life...with: God, Dan, Family, Friends, Me, Work and Business.
The trunk of the tree is the most important - God. Without Him, none of this is possible. So with God in the center, I vow to let go or at least not hang on so tight and enjoy the ride he planned for me. This year I'm learning to say No and to set aside time to indulge with my family and kids. To see every moment the same way I do for my clients through the camera lens...to see the art of life, each and every moment.
So I promise to destroy the kitchen more baking with my girls, to go for long walks, go on more date nights with my rock, Dan, to late night movie screenings with my best friends, to curl up with a great book, sitting and enjoying life in the backyard with my girls ~ I am making a choice to do the things that matter most.
Summer has just begun, but I honestly say I am so much happier this year than I was last year. Perhaps it is simply due to my choice, but it's a choice I encourage you to make for yourself. I am learning to let go of Fear, Trepidation and Stress, embracing them with Faith tat God is in control, and that with each new experience his work makes me better as long as I don't get in the way.
A special thank you goes to Dan, my family and friends for reminding me to do the important stuff first and if I don't complete every last "to-do" on my list it's o.k.... God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. :)
My inspiring and fabulous brother shared a post with me that sums it up nicely. I hope you are inspired and that you find balance and enjoy life - each and every day we are blessed with.
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry....
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it..
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34.. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
