What a whirlwind year it's been! Time passes so very quickly some times its hard to even catch a breath. I feel like we're always so busy planning from one day to the next and one week to the next that we forget to sit and enjoy the actual minutes that pass. We're always just trying to 'make it'; make it through the morning (make it to nap time ;) ) make it to the weekend, make it with our business, make it in life, make life a happy one. So much pressure and so fast paced. In the coming year I'd like to 'make it' a point to slow down, appreciate life's precious moments, be present more and plan less. 2014 has truly been beautiful and I'm so very thankful for the good times as well as the bad. This year there's been more happy than heartbreak and that is always a good thing. I'm thankful for the health and happiness of my family and faithful friends. I'm thankful for the people that have come in to my life and stayed and I'm thankful for the people who have left my life-- leaving lessons learned and time appreciated.
Whether good or bad, there is always something to take from life's experiences--make the best of it, GROW. My focus in 2015 is to GROW! Grow as a mother, a wife, a friend, a business owner, a photographer and as a person in general--both mentally and physically. No matter how happy or unhappy, how successful or unsuccessful, that's the beauty of it all--we can all grow! I don't want to just roll with the punches, I want to take them head on! I have the children and husband of my dreams and they will always be my number one--they will always come first. I've made it known that I will never book a Wedding on any of my children's birthdays, my husbands birthday or my birthday. I've been told that's selfish but to me, no money in the world is worth those memories and my loved ones will always know their value in my world. As MUCH as I love my job and all of my beautiful clients, my family will always be first (I hope you choose the same!) If I've learned anything in life, I've learned how precious it is and how quickly things can change--growing another year older, celebrating another New Year is significant--take off, enjoy, breathe, celebrate! There is always room to grow in life and in business as long as you establish what's most important, set your priorities and go from there.
With having celebrated Tyler turning ONE this year and gearing up for her Second Birthday (cue the tears) and having just had our precious son Nash--we're done 'growing' our family for now! That's huge for me as a business owner! Since I began this journey of Photography, I've shot Weddings up to 38 weeks through THREE pregnancies. With the growth of our family our business has grown as well and I couldn't be more appreciative for those that have joined on the journey and for those who have stuck by us since the beginning. With that being said, I'm so excited for a year of FOCUS! I'm looking forward to diving head first in to business--making updates and upgrades, learning and progressing. After always receiving inquiries and requests for mentoring and workshops and having to politely decline, I'm looking forward to brainstorming and creating with beautiful people to provide experiences I've always dreamed of doing! Another goal is to attend a workshop myself! I've never given myself the opportunity to travel and experience a workshop with talented folks that I personally admire and I'm hoping to take that leap as well!
Life is all about BALANCE and PRIORITIES and I'm eager to find and maintain that fine line with both. Balance will always be my biggest challenge. Saying 'no' when necessary, no matter how hard it may be--and standing behind your decisions! It's important to set attainable goals, don't set yourself up for failure. I won't be that bandwagon treadmill runner on January 1st but I do look forward to Yoga classes and finding my inner peace again--and my inner thighs again ;) (it's seriously a miracle worker and you leave wanting to be a better person, try it :) ) I won't be cutting out carbs and delicious food but I hope to grocery shop more frequently so I can provide more home-cooked meals for my family. I will try my best to worry less--it can be a crippling thing for me and nothing good will come of it, I know. Patience is a virtue and I wasn't graced with it. Lorddd help me find some patience in 2015 or I won't make it out alive! Lastly, I pride myself in living a debt-free life, never living beyond our means--I never want bills to be a strain or stress-er for us. With that being said, I need to get my clutter and shopping in check! Anyone who knows me knows I looooove clothes, but I don't need anymore. I won't say I'll stop shopping because that's just not realistic for me ;) but when I do buy a few things here and there, I will in turn donate several things to the local Good Will (my closet still has clothes from my first years of college, yikes!) I've already started this within the past few months and it feels good! Luckily with two kids, it's not easy to get out and about so my shopping days have diminished, too bad online shopping is so damn easy ;)
There have been days where I have felt completely defeated. Use those days. Never stop working for your dreams. What are some of your goals for the New Year?! What will you do to be a better 'YOU'? Most importantly, will you stick to your goals? Words are just words unless you put them in to action. My husband and children have truly made me a better person but that's not to say I'm not a little rough around the edges. Everyone could use a little improvement, a little love and a little faith. Growth. Focus. Balance. Priorities. Love. Here's to finding a better me and a better business with the best people by my side! Bring it 2015! I hope we all make it. I hope we all succeed.
Here's a quick summary of our month of December--babies and chaos and love, count to 10 aaaand repeat ;)
All my love to you all,
The Macons!
Thanks for the pictures my sexy second shooter in life :)
Had to get a few of Daddy enjoying the mess before making him clean it up ;)
Caught red-handed :)
aaaand that's a wrap! :)
I swear, nothing is harder than trying to get two kids under the age of two to look somewhat appropriate in a picture while not looking like a train wreck yourself. We were defeated during this photo session but here's to trying a whole lot more over the years and attempting to maintain some sort of sanity along the way ;) Thank you for the pictures Cynthia, we love you so much!!!
Had to snap a few of my favorite people in the world--my rocks, my inspiration, my role models. They are truly the best parents in the world with the biggest hearts and I'd be lost without them. I'm so grateful and thankful for the foundation of love they have built for me and my own little family. They give their heart and soul to us always and we will never be able to repay them (and watch our children every weekend so we can fulfill our photography dreams)<3
Our family session quicklyyy turned in to couples portraits--I ain't mad ;) I love this man for always putting up with me at my worst and loving me through all of life's trials and tribulations. (and he's HOTTT too, if I do say so myself ;) )
So, I like my mallows crispy, butttt I was a little fire happy with these bad boys ;)
Tripod for the win!!
I'm so proud of Tyler and the sweet babe she's growing in to and the big sister role she's taking on--she's so beautiful inside and out and I love them both more than words could ever express!
Lastly, who doesn't love a good quote, thanks Instagram ;)
XOXO