{2014} New Years Resolutions

{A New Year} On my 38th Birthday

Source: http://mlplovesyou.tumblr.com/post/38090856363

September, January, & June have always been my favorite months. A new school year...a calendar year (& my birthday)...and of course, summer! They all have the promise of a fresh start & a new beginning.  It's an opportunity for me to reset, reassess, re-prioritize, & strive for a new goal or dream. I know a lot of people criticize new year resolutions because of the rate of failure. I think that's ridiculous. Don't do something because you are likely to fail? That's crazy. And it should piss you off, because it does me. Because if I listened to the critics of my life, I would probably be in a very different place than I am now. If you accomplish just one of the many goals you set out to accomplish this year...you are already better off than you were. You have accomplished something that you might not have had you not taken the time to reflect & set the goal. And that's why I love all 3 months...if I didn't accomplish it the first time around...I have a chance again. And that is the beauty in living. We are given second chances. We are given grace & forgiveness. I think we all need to remember that and give it to ourselves most. We are the hardest on ourselves? Right?

Source: http://www.frameworkmag.com/this-and-that/weekend-words-possibility/ 

But still we are challenged. Sometimes I do things so naturally because they are just a part of who I am that I don't think much of it. For example I make my passwords reminders of things I need to remember (emotionally & spiritually...not "I need to pick up milk"). And I always have inspirational reminders as my wallpaper on my phone & computer. I even wear jewelry that says things like "hope" to remind me. I truly believe that I am my own best cheerleader for living this crazy life.  I didn't really think much of it until a super perceptive friend like Cora asks me (after watching me enter my unlock code for my phone)..."is 2013 your password?". "Uhhhh...yeah" (feeling all insecure). It wasn't an accusatory question...really just more of an observation & inquiry (and if you know Cora...she notices everything). And me being all insecure I asked her, "you must think I'm nutso?" And her reply, "I LOVE IT! That's you!!!". And I was instantly at ease once again thinking, "yes, that is me & she knows me". She knows how much I love a new year and OF COURSE it's my current password. Sheesh, why do I even fret over one of my best friends questioning me? Because even though I turned 38 years old today, I am still insecure and I still question myself...even when others don't. Why can't I embrace this person that I am?

Source: http://piccsy.com/2012/01/picc-3abvi922x/ 

Two fairly recent conversations stand out in my mind. I posted last year that I was going through a difficult time & struggling and a co-worker noticed. She came into my classroom and we began talking about my post. She said to me "Charla, you know what your problem is?" {gasp} "You don't realize how really great you are." I was speechless. I had absolutely no idea how to reply to that comment & felt completely unworthy of it. She went on to explain herself and I sat there in disbelief. I'm sure it's taken me this whole year to accept that compliment and understand what she meant. But she was on to something.

The second happened today on my birthday. An older friend that I went to high school with posted this, "Happy Birthday Charla!!! You are my idol!" That post floored me!!! Because really I looked up to this girl most of my high school career. She was nice, charismatic, smart, & involved (pretty much all that I aspired to be). I'll never forget her campaigning for office in high school. She had professionally printed materials with clever campaign slogans (and this was in the day before we had home computers & printers...so it was super impressive). Although we've maintained some contact over the years and have been reconnected on a number of occasions personally, I really can't believe the she of all people would refer to me as "her idol." Although meant for a nice compliment, I've always held her in such a high esteem...it's hard to accept that compliment. Which leads me to this...

Source: http://www.hardtofind.com.au/products/Just-Be-You.-Always.-Print.html 

We are all in this together. In this super messy emotional ugly cry kinda life....it unites us, not divides us. I've lived it. I'm sure you have to. We are disappointed. And heart broken. And sometimes desperate. We are not in high school. We need to let those self negative perceptions die and grow to be the people we were meant to be. Our perceptions of others are not always true. Let go of your past hurts. Forgive those that hurt you. Embrace those that helped you. And just live your life out loud honestly...not worrying what others think. That is my new mantra....and it's only taken me 38 years to learn it. And I have not felt more free or excited for what the future holds...

Source: http://vineetkaur.tumblr.com/post/10128403678

{Thoughts on 2010} Moving Forward in 2011

I am extremely grateful for all the clients that invited me into their lives this past year. I have arrived at a place of confidence in my photography business after dedicating the past few years in growing it. I thought it would be fun to highlight at least one image from each and every session that I did last year in appreciation. I had no idea that it would total 72! That's on top of working a fulltime teaching job. No wonder I was so exhausted!

This past year I felt like a grown up. I know that sounds weird considering I'm married and a mom, been working in the professional world for 13 years, and paying bills for even longer. But this last year I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. The stress of finances, parenting, cultivating a life, getting everything done on a daily basis, meeting timelines, making decisions, and somehow keeping my house clean in the mix of it. I pretty much failed at much of it. Don't get me wrong...I had successes and much to be thankful for. But inside I was dying a little bit more of me each day. By November, I was reminded of who that person was again (on a short trip to Mexico that took me away from it all). The real me. A girl who likes to laugh. And love. And enjoy life. I didn't do much of that at all last year. I know I said I wasn't making a new years resolution other than finding balance. But what I really want is to find me. To uncover that girl I know inside and live like her on the outside.

One of the major decisions I continue to struggle with is having another child. I honestly don't think our life can realistically handle another child. But, you see, I am one of five children and I cannot imagine Brooklyn not having the joy of having a sibling. My siblings are my best friends and my fondest memories are of us growing up. I want her to have that experience too. And if I'm honest with you, I'm scared to death about being pregnant again. The fear of losing another baby. The challenges of carrying a child with my barely five foot stature. The sleepless nights and painful back aches. The grueling experience of labor and delivery and the recovery. I have not forgotten any of it (despite what you all told me). And the added expense of another child. How do you pay for two children and not go broke? But I also have that motherly longing to hold a sleeping baby in my arms again and think it would be awesome to be a famiy of four. I'm just so conflicted. Dan and I have decided several times to go for it, and then I get scared.

So these are the things that are weighing on my heart. Something has gotta give. And being the planner I am I have decided to take action. By stopping. Stop working so much. Stop spending so much. Stop trying to do it all. Stop stressing. I dedicate this year to taking care of myself and my family. I will be limiting the amount of sessions and weddings I take, so that I may focus on taking good care of the clients I do have. Ultimately I want a little bit of freedom.

So if you see a little less of me on my blog...this is why. I will continue to blog previews for my clients and of course updates on Brookie, but I'm not trying to fulfill any sort of quota this year. I will say that I do find a lot of joy in blogging, so we'll just see where this year takes us.

"Definition of a successful business is one that serves the whole of your life, 

not one that swallows you whole. "

--Melissa Galt

My chiropractor posted this on his Facebook page this past week, and I found a lot of comfort and hope in these words....

------

God's timing is amazing! Have you ever attended a sermon and thought to yourself..."I'm pretty sure this was written for me?" Well, that was me today listening to our Pastor begin a series called "Life in the Margins". I actually wrote this post last week and hesitated on posting it. Today's sermon totally hit home and I felt compelled to post it because this my journey and progress it to be made. Here were some key points that hit home for me:

Controlling my calendar is about...

• - Remembering my limitations.
• - I can often do more by doing less.
• - Realizing that I'm not defined by what I do.
• - I can develop a healthy rhythm.
• - Remembering that I have value because God gave it to me.

I'm excited about slowing down, clearing the noise, and seeing where this year takes me.

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{Goodbye 2010} Hello 2011!

Happy New Year! This last year has been a whirlwind! Phew, I'm kinda glad it's over. There were lots of ups and some major downers. I set out to accomplish lots and was happy to do so. However, this year I want to slow down. I want to learn to balance a little better. I'm not making any resolutions other than that. No crazy lists to accomplish. Just balance. I'm not exactly sure how to do it so I'll just take it one day at a time.

A huge thank you to all my clients! I am always so appreciative to play a part in your memories. And to all my friends, family, and past clients that continue to refer me to new clients...MIL GRACIAS! My business continues to be at least 80% referrals. It's been so fun meeting all your family and friends too. :) So many of my clients have become friends and that is why I love this job so much. 

I thought this poster was fitting for the new year. Some wonderful advice from a wise man. 

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{Manic Monday} 10th Ed.

 

Happy 2010! I love a new year. A fresh start. New beginnings. A clean slate. The opportunity to dream up new possibilities. And it's the start of my birthday month! Yay for Capricorns, it's our month! I will be 35 on the 15th this month and I'm looking forward to making this year the BEST. I share my birthday week with my husband and sisters-in-law. So what shall we do to celebrate?

In 2007, I set out to accomplish 101 goals in 1001 days. Well, my deadline is quickly approaching (September 28th, 2010). 2010 seemed so far away when I originally wrote my list and here it is! Well, my iPhone is going to be my tool for success this year. I'm hoping to complete as many of my 101 goals as possible in 2010 (although some of my initial goals are not relevant or possible as my life has drastically changed over the course of the past couple years).

Although I've owned an iPhone for several years now, I've only recently been using it to it's full capacity. I'm constantly amazed with all that I am able to do and accomplish with something that can fit into my back pocket. I can send & receive email. Surf the web. Manage my Google calendar. Take a picture. Edit a picture. Post pictures online. Record a video. Read a book. Listen to music. Update Twitter & Facebook status. Check the weather. Map my current location. Get directions. Find a nearby restaurant. Track my calories & exercise. Play Madlibs (remember those?). Keep track of my ToDo lists. Deposit a check into my bank account. Play games. Entertain my 15 month old with learning activities. (Side note: Last night I had a dream, no a nightmare, that I lost my iPhone. I was devastated, to say the least. I may have some attachment or co-dependency issues.)

So here are a few of goals I'm going to focus on first for 2010, with the help of my beloved iPhone...

#41-46) Read at least a book a month, attempt to read a book a week (see my inspiration HERE). I'm currently reading books with the eReader app from Barnes & Noble. I'm hoping to purchase the Nook with the gift cards I've received from Christmas and my upcoming Birthday. I'm almost half way there! I'm super excited to make reading a priority this year. Up first is The Happiness Project.
#26-29) Make healthy choices & incorporate fitness into daily routine. I'm using the LoseIt app to track all of my calories, record my daily exercise, and overall weight loss progress. I have only worked out once so far and I cannot tell you how sore I have been since. Man, I am out of shape!

 

 

#68) Take a photo a day for 365 days with my iPhone camera. I have attempted the 365 project several times before and I have never been able to complete it. Well, I'm hoping by using my iPhone I'll have better success since it's always with me. Here is the start to my 365 project...

 

This is my year to SOAR! My friend KrisD wrote this update on New Years and it really resonated with me so I'm borrowing it as my mantra this year.

2008 was a year to discover.
2009 was a year to grow.
2010 will be a year to flourish.

What are your resolutions, goals, or plans for 2010? Please leave a comment and share with me!

{2009} Brooklyn's Year in Review

The last year of the decade has concluded! 2009 was such an awesome year for so many reasons! It was the first year of Brooklyn's life, an incredibly busy year working two jobs, and lots of great times with friends and family. It was definitely the year of firsts...Brookyn laughing, eating solids, crawling, walking, dancing, and talking. To keep with tradition, I've gathered up a few photos & videos to remember her year.

Happy 2009!

Happy New Year everyone! We finished off the year with a bang. We hosted a party at our place this year so we could be home with the little one. This is the third new years that we have spent with Kristi, Donovan, & their cousins Jana & Bo. The highlight of the evening was the photo booth we set up in the studio. As you could imagine, the pictures got better and more fun as the night progressed. We're going to have to do that at every party now. I'm so excited for a new year and all that it brings. Cheers to you and yours.