Fresh Inspiration

"It is easy to forget now, how effervescent and free we all felt that summer."

-Anna Godbersen

I absolutely love digging through my archives and finding images from past photoshoots.

My absolute favorite form of light natural backlighting - it gives a beautiful, clean, and crisp feel to the photographs and to see an image that reminds me of the times I was first experimenting with this type of natural light inspires me all over again.

And it reminded me that sometimes, a new and fresh source of inspiration for the future can absolutely come from remembering the gems of the past.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far!

Image by Heartbox Photography

Motivation vs. Inspiration

Motivational speakers, motivational messages, motivational mugs, motivational cheers.

Ehhh.

Now, I'm not trying to knock motivational messages or anything like that. It helps some people, and to each their own - far be it for me to criticize.

However, for me personally at least, I think there's something much more captivating, something much deeper, and more awesome and impactful overall, when you're inspired.

As a business owner, I have had my share of ruts/the days in the "middle" of the journey that make me wish I was at the destination point, the season where suddenly it's all easy sailing, the point where I wouldn't have to push so much or be prone to eating so much chocolate in the middle of the afternoon.

It's in those moments that what I need most isn't necessarily motivation or a rah-rah-rawrrrr cheer but rather some heart-shifting inspiration. The reminders of why I began this journey to re-define beauty for women through my photography. The reminders of why I willingly take on the challenges because it's making an impact for something bigger than me. The reminders of how a God-given dream and talent can change the world around me. That kind of inspiration.

One of my favorite photographers is New Zealand-born photographer Sue Bryce. And on an evening that was headed towards "rut-ville", I watched this video she created and was once again reminded why I am inspired to center my work around photographing every woman, celebrate without inhibition, the message that she is beautiful.

Hope you are inspired by this as much as I was.

Happy Friday!

Those Grace-Filled Days

Around my desk, I like to keep little faith reminders, post it quotes of inspiration and Scripture, cards, mementos, and photographs posted up in various spots where I can easily see them. Every day, they help shift my focus to something above the myriad of tasks, to do lists, and emails set before me. And this is good for someone like me who buries myself a little easily under the tasks at hand and loses sight of the overall goal and bigger purpose each day.

Today, I found my eyes wandering over to an old email printout I keep posted up near my computer screen. I have no idea who the author was, but whoever you are, thank you for this and for generously sharing it. It helps remind me to stay focused on the more important things and also reminds me to keep trusting God every second, every minute, every hour even on the days I don't want to.

I am far from perfect and believe me, there are days I could have lived better - but thankfully, every day is a new slate, filled with grace and new chances.

Happy Thursday, everyone!

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day un-rushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and declutter your life.
7. Less is more.
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. - Keep Mouth Shut. This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the kid in you everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to something while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you, Jesus.'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more.
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. God has a way of turning things around for you.