So over the past few days, I’ve read a really great book that was worth sharing. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. As mentioned in a previous blog entry, I went to the book store last week because I had some free time. I left with a bag of books and a new attitude. My main goal was to look for business inspiration and motivational books. I also purchased a Hungry Girl cookbook- but that’s another story ;)
Certain times of the year my plate runneth over and I realize that my calendar looks like I had a pen and highlighter explosion. So last week I decided to turn over a new leaf. I work and edit for a certain amount of time per day (typically about 8 hours, depending on how busy my schedule is) and then the rest of the day I spend with Randy, my family, friends or just alone time relaxing. I need the time to just regroup and get my head on straight. In this line of work, this is something that photographers constantly struggle with. That is until you find balance. It’s hard to find a closing time when your office is in your house- especially when you have a go go go complex like I do.
When I was younger I really couldn’t stand reading. School book reports and summer reading- pshhhh! Where’s the cliff notes? I really really hated it. I would have to re-read the page 8 times until I could really focus and comprehend. A bit of ADD, I suppose. Now, its a different story- its like I can’t get enough. I’ll finish an entire book in one sitting. Well that’s if I don’t wind up falling asleep from my eyes getting tired. It’s kind of weird to think how much I’ve changed and how I’ve really gotten into reading over the past few years. I think it has something to do with the teachers MAKING me read when I was younger vs. me just WANTING to read. Now that no one is forcing me to do it, its more enjoyable. So lately, craft projects and reading have become my relaxing pastime when I need an escape. Cooking too!
Anyway, back to the book. It’s all about creating a good “story” in life. Do you ever feel that life is getting monotonous and its just the same thing over and over and nothing special is happening. Or that you are dealt this hand of cards and you just have to make the best of it. This book is about flipping the script. Turning it up a notch. Finding a hobby, a passion, a goal. Reaching for it. Overcoming the “conflicts” in life to ultimately wind up on the other end having learned something. Taking the long road because it hurts and its painful and its more work. Taking the long road and riding your bike up the hill and not driving your car. You know why? Because when you reach the top- the sunset it 100x more beautiful. Nothings free. Anything good is worth fighting for. The author is funny, honest and real. I experienced alot of emotions when reading it- I was laughing, anxious, curious, happy, and I even cried a little. I was just overall entranced in the book. It’s a good read. It really gets you thinking about your life and how to take it to the next level. How can I change my story? How can I make my life tell a better story? How can my personal style and my outlook on life leave an impact?
For me, here’s what I’ve done lately to change my story. I haven’t watched TV much at all lately- I’ve decided to do crafty things instead. Things that are mindless yet comforting. When someone calls me to do something- I’m there. I don’t want to sit back anymore. When I have a free weekend- its full. If I have some spare time for lunch- who can join me and where do you want to go? Having faith and making it a main priority in life. On Sundays- you’ll find me at church. God has become the center of my life and I’ve watched how easily he can transform your world if you just put him first and remember he’s always there for you. When I’m anxious, I twirl my rosary ring on my finger and pray for comfort. As far as exercise- I am off the sofa and on my bike. If I’m not doing that, I’m at Bootcamp or the CrossFit Gym. When I’m working at my desk and editing- music is on. Music that fits me and my style and fills my brain with good energy. I want “my story” to be unique. I want to be one of a kind. I want to be someone that people enjoy being around. I want soak up the last 2 months of this Wedding Planning and embrace every moment of it. I want all of this to be part of my story. Part of what makes me, me. I want my struggles to make me stronger, to make me wiser. I want my bad days to be few and far between, but to also remind me of how INCREDIBLE it feels to have a really good day. I want the same for my family, friends and clients. I want them to create a beautiful story too. I want them to inspire me, to teach me, I want to share in their story. I want to cherish the relationships I have and look forward to creating new friends as we cross paths. Life is about making memories. Photos help to protect those moments in time that you can’t replace. They help me reminisce and celebrate life.
The Book.
French Quarter Fest this past Sunday
Celebrating my grandmother’s 70th Birthday Sunday night. Family all around, enjoying the company, making memories. Creating Stories.
I hope that after you read my post today, you will want to go out and read this book or maybe just think about what I’ve said a little bit. It’s never too late to change your story and take a turn for the better. Embracing life, saying Yes- I’ll be there, enjoying our gorgeous weather, laughing, praying. Creating your novel. Happy Wednesday! – Jen