Monday, June 30, 2008

To blog...or not to blog?

Ever feel like your life is full of so much STUFF that you don't know what to write about for fear you will confuse the living daylights out of anyone that comes here? This is going to be one of those random posts...because, afterall this is my journal, and I have been slacking it up lately.

So, I mentioned before we are making some changes over here. I made this HUGE old schedule for our little family. I outlined each and every day and the things that should get done that day. Training for this run has almost killed me, but it has made me NEED to schedule my life, and for that I am thankful. I feel like I am more organized (albeit tired), but we are eating better, getting more sleep, and spending copious amounts of time together that we never have before. That puts a smile on my face.

One of the bigger changes I am making with my life is my business. I haven't wanted to make this official, as I am still trying to get my website up and working....but I won't be photographing weddings anymore. (Holly, don't worry, I still want very much to be a second shooter, quite often as time permits...) Just for myself, in my own business, I don't want to do them anymore. Why? Well, because they just STRESS me out too much, I am not happy doing them. (Don't worry if you have already booked me...I love doing them...but the stress of them ruins me.) Basically, it is hard to explain...but that is why I am selling all of my "wedding" equipment. I just want to invest the money in a different camera body (in the future) and another portrait lens. My specialty will be babies and kids. I still would like to do families, but definitely in a more laid back fashion than I have been doing. I want to photograph the simplicity of life...the moments and smiles that people remember about their family, not the posed perfection...which never really is.

So...I made myself this awesome work schedule. M-F, each night of the week after the kids go to bed, I have something different to do. Mondays are my "blogging" days...Tuesdays and Thursdays are my editing days, Wednesday is my scrapbook day (ooo I am looking SO forward to this one.) Fridays are my work on my website and session days...and Saturday is another session day. It feels SO super good to have this down...and not deviate from it. I have been all over the place for so long, I was feeling overwhelmed. It is nice to say, "This is the night I do this...the work will be done by this day...and our sessions are held on this day." Having a balance has really made me happy. This is one of the best things I took away from the workshop in Chicago. I love that it is stretching into all aspects of our lives.

I'm feeling so happy guys. Even with all the crap that was thrown at us, I will never let anyone else get me down, control me, control my happiness, the way I feel about me, or my life EVER again.

Hope you guys can do the same.

13 comments:

Calli said...

I love this post I agree life seems to run smoother when it is organized. I think its so cool that you are training for a marathon I have friend that ran one last year and it is one of her proudest moments. Good luck with everything and maybe we can pencil in a play date or at least a girls night.

Miss Myra said...

amen sista girl! i hear ya on the structure thing. its great isnt it. now that i am working i have to created structure too. and let me tell you it feels so good. and by the way iwill be seeing you at the wednesday craft night. i have to go until trajans scrapbook is made. i love you

Arianne said...

this was a very up lifting post and it makes me want to do a schedule in my own life!! you are an amazing person and you need to do what is best for you!!

one of these days we will need to schedule a GNO!!

Amanda said...

GO KIMMIE!! Way to take control of your life. I can understand how stressful weddings can be. I'm a little stressed and it's just my sister. What is she thinking?!

Samantha said...

Good for you, Miss Kim! What a brave thing you are doing! You have recognized where your heart truly lies & are following that path. I think it's amazing! And what an awesome schedule. There really is nothing better than feeling productive & organized. It just brings such a pure, simple joy.

Amy and Josh said...

I have been thinking of scheduling my time better too, there are just too many things to get done and too many distractions. . . I think that is great you focusing your business on something you love!!

Marc and Megan said...

This post is inspiring on so many levels! I'm so happy that all these changes are having such a positive impact on your life. I'm really excited for you and the great things that lie ahead!! I'll be cheering you on!

Cassie said...

Way to go woman. I'm glad my sissy snatched ya when she did. Love you!

Ron and Jessica said...

I totally agree with you about the wedding bit. I mean every time I see a wedding cake or wedding photog - I think that must be the most stressful day of their lives. And to do it again and again, well, you know. Way to take control!

Andrea Lemon said...

Remember ... I work on designing webpages also. I can help you with this also ... maybe in exchange for some more photo classes or a trip to BlogHer with you guys ... :)

Amy said...

You're so awesome!! I need to try and schedule out my life more!!!

Holly said...

I am super happy for you. Don't worry about me - I have turned the knob on weddings wayyyy down this year...I know just what you mean about the stress.

Rebecca Tyler said...

Hi Kim! Yep, I'm read your personal blog now, as well as your photography one. hehe. I just caught this post of yours. Nicely written...I am in the same boat. Trying to get an organized schedule for my family together, and with hubby deploying in a couple weeks it will be NOT fun to manage everything as a "single parent"...but we know it will all be OK. Kudos to you for making decisions about your business that will benefit you and your family. We have to keep making choices that ignite this passion we have for photography, instead of continuing to do things with it that burn it out. Sounds like you have a wonderful journey ahead with a bit less stress. Woohoo! Your work is beautiful and I look forward to seeing more baby and kid shots from ya! :o)