the journal

So, before we moved to Oregon, I signed up to go to an all girls photo retreat in September! I was so excited for the creative outlet and to connect with other photographers in the area! . . . Then we found out we would be moving and I wasn’t sure if I’d still be able to go. Going meant that I’d have to make the 12 hour drive twice with my 2 girls and no help! It also meant that I’d be away from my husband for 10 days and that I’d have to spend more money to actually be able to make it.

It took me a long time to decide if it was worth it to make the trip and to spend the money to get a little creative release. Things kept going wrong, and I’m sure anyone who’s moved states can attest to this. I finally decided that I didn’t care how much it cost or how hard the trip would be, I wanted to go so I was going to go dang it!

A week or so before I left, I had a total breakdown. I was super overwhelmed with moving my business to a new state, making new friends, getting out of comfort zone every single day because I didn’t have any other choice, making sure the girls were adjusting okay and learning how to lean more on Geoffrey and on my Savior to help me get through all the changes.

Of course I blurted out all of this to Geoffrey in tears and frustration and we came to the conclusion that I really needed a break. I needed to be with other creatives and I needed to see if I had the desire and passion to keep going full force with everything or if some things needed to give a little.

And the retreat was AMAZING! Just as I knew it would be. Janelle of Janelle & Co put it all together and she had several unbelievable styled shoots planned (which I’ll definitely be sharing photos from soon!) with amazing vendors, so much good food and wonderful company! We chatted and hung out. We photographed beautiful couples and models and it was the perfect break from life and reality! It ignited my passion again and helped me to clarify some changes that I had be thinking and praying about making for a while. Changes that needed to happen in my life and in my business.

So . . . as I said, I’ve thought and prayed about this a lot. And have been trying to figure out when and how to make these changes. . . . And as hard as this is for me, I’ve realized that it’s time for me to take a break. . . . I love photography and I absolutely love serving couples and being a part of weddings. But I am very much an all or nothing person. And with all the changes that have happened in our personal lives over the last few months, I just don’t have the time and energy I need to fully dedicate to my business. Which is VERY hard for me to admit. . . . I have so much love and passion for photography and for my clients and I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have to run a business that helps me to serve and uplift others and that gives me a creative outlet as well! That being said, I am NOT quitting all together! I’ll still be taking on sessions and weddings as they come but I’ll also be trying to figure out how to do less so that I can be more present in my life and with my family. I strongly believe that there’s a time and season for everything. And that this is the right decision for me and my family . . . and for my business right now. I’m so grateful for all of your love and support and know that I will continue to stay in touch!