the journal

I have been so busy and stressed lately and I’ve learned a couple valuable lessons from it. I don’t know how you are, but I am stubborn and most often, I have to learn things the hard way in order for it to actually get through to me. Earlier this year, I decided to open a home decor store with my sister. I was super excited about it and so determined. So, I went in with two feet and never came up. If I wasn’t physically at the store, I was constantly thinking about it and trying to figure out what to do to make it more successful.

And I’ve been so afraid of failing and letting people down that I’ve been spreading myself too thin. I’ve been trying to do everything. And it has been HARD. I’ve really been thinking about things lately and trying to decide what path I need to take. And I was home one day and my daughter was playing on the floor and my husband was sitting on the couch by her. And I was busy trying to get things done. I kept walking in and out of the living room and every time I walked out, my daughter would cry. And even just yesterday, I couldn’t get her to take a nap and it finally dawned on me that it was because she hadn’t seen me very much. She just wanted to be with me. And that’s when I realized that being crazy busy isn’t worth it. I love my family and I want to see my daughter grow up and I want to be there for her when she needs me.

But lately, I haven’t spent as much time with my family, I haven’t been able to serve others, I haven’t been able to focus on photography. I haven’t been able to do anything I love to do and it has really worn on me. But like I said, I learn things the hard way.  So, this is something I’ve had to go through to realize that I need to slow down. So, while most everyone else is gearing up for school and holidays, I am going to be taking it slow. I’ll be making some changes, I don’t know what yet. But I know that sacrificing my happiness and the happiness of my family isn’t worth it.

So, just remember to take things one day at a time and to cherish the little moments. Spend time doing things you love and remember to slow down. Life is not a race.