When I was younger I thought by the time I hit my 30’s I would surely have my life “all together” if you know what I mean. But, I’m 31 and finally feeling like I’m starting to understand myself, my likes and dislikes, and what I want in life. Although I’m still learning about myself and narrowing down my goals and purpose, it feels so amazing to be in a spot that I am happy and content in.

I started this photography business on a whim and really had no great hopes of where it would go. I had gone to college to be a teacher and that was what I thought I would be doing for the rest of my life. Photography was just a side thing I did because I enjoyed it. Now…a few years down the road…I have been out of the classroom for almost 2 whole school years.

My life has taken a pretty big turn from working the 40 hour work week and trying to soak in those precious weekend hours together as a family to now having an open schedule 24/7. At first this was difficult for me. I always knew I had to be to work by 8am, that my reading block would be 90 minutes long and math 60. Lunch was exactly 30 minutes long and always at the same time. My vacation days were scheduled a year in advance on the school calendar and if I wanted to do anything for myself on a different day I had 3 personal days I could choose in a year. So this whole, working from home as my own boss thing has been quite interesting and surprisingly very rewarding!

I am currently reading 168 Hours: You have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam. (On a side note, it is a definite must read if you find yourself fighting for more time in your week.) In her book, Laura talks about how many of us who are in our dream jobs are doing the same things we loved to do as children. I spent some time thinking about this and reflecting on my childhood. As a kid I played outside, a lot. I also decorated my room all the time-one time this included painting my four walls each a different color! I also loved dressing up my baby sister and taking photos of her. I have countless photos of Teresa as a baby stuck in some type of awkward pose. There was always a blanket in the background and then some silly props to go with. I took “bath photos” on a blue blanket with a tub and duckies as props. We took sailor photos, and teddy bear photos. She put with a lot!

There she is during the “tub photo shoot”! Wasn’t she a cutie!? I’m sure she will appreciate this photo now as a freshman in college! hehe

I felt pretty good about being able to say I am doing one of my childhood favorite activities as an adult. And although I equally loved “interior design” or whatever you want to call what I did to my bedroom as a kid, I find ways to include that passion in my life as well. I know we can’t all quit our day jobs to run off and pursue our childhood dreams, but we can certainly make time for the things that we love and enjoy! This is one thing I have been learning to do that has made a big difference in my life! So whether it is taking time to read a good book, having a cup of coffee while checking out the latest Magnolia Market magazine, or just going for a walk in the woods-I have learned to carve out time for me and what I love. And I am a happier, healthier person because of it!