Change is always good. It forces us to get out of our comfort zone and reach a little farther beyond the limits we’ve set for ourselves. I’ve always relished change; but something happened to me when I was 16 that built walls around me that never existed prior. Slowly slowly I’ve begun to feel like my old self again. Like I’m good enough for this world we live in and strong enough to fight the battles life throws at me. Like I’m reaching my full potential, blossoming. And damn…it feels so good.
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Having a baby is life changing for everyone, and in different ways for us all too. For me, it gave me life again. Purpose, confidence, excitement, and a whole new appreciation of joy and life. I love my little girl and greater ways than I’d have ever expected. I’ve let go of so much that held me back since she’s entered the world and the constraint of doing what I thought was expected of me was lifted. While balancing my dreams and raising a child that will be a positive influence in the world at the same time has been a HUGE undertaking and harder than I ever could have guessed; it has been the most freeing thing for me. Life is too short people. If you dream it, you can believe it.
This morning I received an email from a photographer that has rocked the wedding photography industry something serious. She was on the forefront of the modern digital photography world and in my humble opinion helped create the photog blogosphere and mold the expectations of online networking in business to make it what it is today. But she never stopped working and dreaming and creating and now has a real empire in the photography world on her hands.
I’m not the type of person to idolize someone. We are all people with dream and a life that we’ve made. But IF I had to pick someone, it’d be her. Not because she’s an amazing photographer. But because she is the epitome of following her dreams. Dreaming something big, and taking the leap to follow them. Falling down, getting up and still moving forward. I love that. I love a good underdog story, it gets me every time. Jasmine may not have been a typical underdog, but she did give up her spot in a prestigious law school to care for her sick mom and meanwhile pursued something she thought was not much more than a good idea. And now? Now she has people paying $900 for an 8 hour workshop all over the world. Oh, and that email I mentioned? Yeah, it was for one of those workshops. And guess who is going?! Woot woot, this girl!
I’m super emotional today. Yesterday I cried because I took the crib rail off my daughter’s bed and she slept in her ‘big-girl’ bed for the first time. Today, I sat in Starbucks and sobbed a little bit after my husband gave me the “just do it” for the J* workshop. I left my girl at daycare for the first time in her 20 months on the earth, and I’m working kid-free for the day. I sat here in this Starbucks and couldn’t hold back. I’m okay now, but can’t help but think; so this is what dreams are made of?!
If I can make it through my first race this Saturday (yeah, another goal checked off the list, I’m running Crazy Legs 8k on Saturday), I think this month will go down in my mind’s card catalogue as an epic month of accomplishment and happiness.
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Yep, doing pretty good so far 🙂
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“Growing up” is so weird. It’s something we dream about and make predictions for our entire youth, only dreaming of the way life will turn out. Really with no real idea of what it is to take on the responsibilities of the world…work, bills, babies, death, social norms, happiness, sadness…reality. And then one day, we are ‘adults’ and 20 years old quickly turns to 30, and suddenly you have a family and obligations and twenty thing pulling you in different directions and you realize, “I guess I’m a grown-up now.”
It’s funny though, I don’t feel any older. I mean, I am much smarter now; I know who I am, and have gained much more wisdom and confidence in life. But who am I kidding…I still feel like the ‘totally rad’ teenager rebelling by going shirtless under my band uniform with a temporary glitter tattoo on my chest that screamed “help me!” And I’m pretty sure it’s still acceptable to have sleepovers on a big trampoline under the stars and order pizza for breakfast the next morning after we showered with a hose and my mom’s expensive shampoo.
Having babies, that’s a game changer. It strips needs and desires from yourself and suddenly your baby is all that matters. This is my best friend Jenn. She’s expecting her first baby this May, and I couldn’t be happier for her. She’s put together this beautiful nursery and looks amazing in her 8th month of pregnancy, just waiting for little Mia. I’m so grateful I got to visit this month and share in this special time of her life. But it’s weird. I really feel like all the sudden I’m old. Like, okay, I’m a grown up now. My brothers have had babies, several other friends have, and now my best friend is going to be welcoming hers. It’s a strange thing, this getting older.
I love this time in a woman’s life. The waiting, expecting, anticipation. Nursery prep, the “when the baby comes..” plans. Seeing that little being float around inside the belly as it kicks to stretch out. It’s really really awesome. And girlfriend, you were made to be pregnant!! I hope the last few weeks of baby-growing goes as well as the first many and the rest of the welcoming experience is everything you want it to be. Thanks for letting me do my thing, and putting up with my photo-taking obsession. I can’t wait to meet little Miss Mia 🙂
I’m not sure if it’s just me, or if it happens to the best of us. I spent the entire day (unplanned) cleaning out my closets, rearranging all my kid’s toys, organizing closets, and moving all of my warm weather clothes from the top shelf to the bottom. I have NEVER been so antsy to get out of this Wisconsin winter smog and move into the green grass and ice cream trucks of the summer. The winter thaw has begun, and before we know it, the sun will be our well known friend again!
I don’t think I’m the only one! Because my calendar is filling up fast…Here is my little PSA friends–my weekend slots are almost completely full through July so if you are hoping for some spring or early summer photos don’t wait! Contact me today!!
contact@kaitlinsheranphotography.com
Give a couple dates that work for you, and lets get you on the calendar 🙂
Posted in Anniversary sessions,Child photo sessions,Engagement Sessions,Family Photo Sessions,Informative,Maternity Photo Sessions,Nature,Newborn,Products,Senior Photo Session,Weddings
First, thank you all for your participation in this fun giveaway!
I wish everyone could win (I really do) but unfortunately, something has to pay the bills–my good looks and charisma only go so far, ya know 😉 (ha, I wish!) However, as a consolation prize to the people who did not ‘win’, I would like to offer a 10% discount toward any session booked with me prior to November 2014. Just mention this post when you contact me and I’ll take care of ya!
I had so much fun watching the competition. There were top two were neck and neck and even tied for quite a while, but in the very final hours of the competition, Nicole Moll pulled ahead by just a couple of votes!
Thank you Rebecca for nominating her:
“I nominate Nicole Moll and family. In addition to her ‘day job’ and raising a family of three sweet little boys with her hubby, Nicole has created, launched and leads a non-profit in our community, called Box of Balloons. For many reasons, some families are just not able to provide birthday celebrations for their kiddos. Nicole is someone who selflessly gives to ensure children, will truly have happy and memorable birthdays, because EVERY child is worth celebrating. Her kindness is contagious, her sincerity is impactful and her love for others is making a difference in our communities. I nominate Nicole!”
{Photos submitted by Rebecca, I do not take credit for them}
Congratulations Nicole! You have won a free session with KSP. This includes an hour session, an online viewing and ordering gallery, and a flash drive with all edited images 🙂 Please contact me to secure a date before November 2014!
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