Jacqueline Photography : Contentment

It's been a while since my last blog post. The reason for this is because the winter months tend to slow down for me in my photography since many of my sessions are outdoors, and I have chosen to enjoy this slower season and really give my family more of me. I've chosen to put my laptop away and to look my kiddos in the eyes when they have something to tell me. I've chosen to let the messy house wait while I play hide and seek with my littlest guy who thinks that hiding under a blanket while sitting up will stump me every time. I've chosen to have more dance parties and play more Candy Land. And with all the recent snow, I've chosen to put on my snow gear and build snowmen with my children. And let's not forget my husband! I've chosen to watch movies with him and cuddle close rather than stay up late working on the next project. It has been a wonderful season of rest and of enjoying my family that is growing up all too quickly!

I recently took a quiz on facebook. The quiz was titled "Which Biblical Heroine Are You?" and I got Sarah. In the description one part read, "You somehow make everything you do look easy." This made me chuckle because a few years ago I might have agreed with that statement. I use to be extremely organzied. My house was always clean. I was caught up on everything from the house to scrapbooking, but now I'm always playing catch up. My nights after the kids are in bed were once productive, now I sit and enjoy the quiet. I'm learning to embrace my season of "crazy" and realize that "caught up" often means I'm missing out on really living!

Running my photography business can be consuming. It's easy to make comparisons, to dream about how to book more sessions, envy what another photographer has accomplished and the list goes on. As a business owner I'm always thinking through and practicing how to improve. But I'm discovering that at the end of the day, no matter how much I love that I get to take pictures and connect with others, making time for the people closest to me is my most rewarding accomplishment!

I hope that today in the midst of your season of "crazy" you are taking little moments to enjoy those close to you! Slowing down always changes my perspective and makes me a better wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and let's not forget photographer! While I am looking forward to warmer weather, fun outdoor photo sessions and photographing weddings I am thankful for this time to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of me. I'm learning to be content!