“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future. Act now, without delay.”
-Simone de Beauvoir
3 years ago, I was 8 months pregnant with my second child. I had made the decision that I would not be returning to work after having my baby. I was scared. I had no idea what the future would look like, but I knew I had to make a change. I wanted to have more time with my children. I didn't know what I would do, but I knew how to save money, and I knew how to work hard. If I couldn't secure other means of making an income, I could always go back to teaching. I knew that even if everything failed, it would probably still be okay.
2 years ago, I decided to take another risk and go into business as a family photographer. After leaving teaching, I had the time and creative mental space to pursue my passion for photography. I wanted to be able to give others the gift of being able to see the beauty in their everyday lives. I wanted them to be able to feel the same way that I felt the first time Anda Marie photographed my family (and every time after). I had no idea how I would do it, but I knew I had to do it. The learning curve was overwhelming, but I took it one day (nap time/late night staying up) at a time.
1 year ago, I was 8 months pregnant with my last baby. I was grateful for the ability to have this time with my children but also a little frustrated with having to take things slow with my business. Being patient with my progress as a photographer as well as with my proficiency in my business felt a little like the patience I needed with my progress and proficiency as a mother. I hoped somehow these two identities would be able to coexist.
Today, I'm still figuring it out day by day. I still have no idea what the future will look like, but I'm no longer gambling on it. I can't control the future, but I can act today and everyday to make the changes that are needed in my business and my life. I am daily inspired by women who live creatively, who make an income in the arts and services, and who blend motherhood into it all so gracefully. I am honored to have been a part of celebrating International Women's Day with ShootProof. You can watch the video below, and then please go check out the full blog post here for more inspiration from some incredible artists.
So what can you act on today? Here are the things the ladies in my house are acting on without delay.
Me: Not yelling as often.
Charlotte: Only sucking her thumb at night.
Winnie: Not coming up to bed with us in the middle of the night.
So far, we're not doing that great. But we're a good support team, and each day we can act on it. I'm thankful for these girls who inspire me to make changes both big and small daily.
